ViaLactia’s forage research is developing smart sustainable forages for New Zealand dairying.
At ViaLactia we identify molecular landmarks in ryegrass and clover to accelerate the creation of cultivars with maximum agronomic performance. We determine the genetic causes for valuable traits and apply that knowledge within the species. The products are cultivars for farmers, tools for breeders, and knowledge for New Zealand. The work is part of Pastoral Genomics, co-funded by the Ministry for Science & Innovation, DairyNZ, Fonterra, Beef+Lamb New Zealand, DEEResearch and AgResearch.
Forage biotechnologies will give the greatest stepwise, sustainable gains in forage productivity while maintaining and enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of our dairy industry. We are increasing the forage leaf available for stock by improving drought tolerance, productivity, persistence, quality, palatability, and energy, while reducing nutrient and water use.
We capture the broadest possible benefits from the genetics of New Zealand’s key forage species, using genomics, germplasm and international expertise.