ViaLactia’s bovine research explores the genetics of milk composition, milk production, environmental performance, and animal health.
The genetic makeup of dairy breeds and individual cows contributes to marked differences in the composition of milk. At ViaLactia we discover naturally existing genetic variations influencing the composition of milk fat and milk protein. Genetic selection creates unique herds exclusively producing milks for the manufacture of high value dairy products. We apply similar approaches in the areas of milk production, environmental performance and animal health.
We investigate differences between breeds in a large-scale Friesian-Jersey crossbreed trial, where genetic discoveries are supported by a rich set of high-quality phenotypes, high density genotypes and whole genome sequences. The strong integration of New Zealand's dairy industry allows us to explore the extremes of natural milk composition. We find unique cows that produce special milks for next-generation dairy products, including reduced saturated fat, increased omega-3 fat, improved milk protein composition or cows with reduced methane emission. We identify the rare genetic variations responsible for these traits by breeding, genetic mapping, and whole-genome sequencing.
Our success is founded on individuality — a team of scientists combining their diverse expertise to unravel unique dairy genetics, supported by our farmers and the Ministry for Science & Innovation.