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28-May-2007
| Marge Will Benefit All Fonterra Shareholders |
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Scientists working at Fonterra’s research subsidiary ViaLactia Biosciences have identified a low fat producing cow they have named Marge.
“Marge is unique because a natural variation in her genetic makeup reduces the amount of fat in her milk,” explains chief scientist Russell Snell.
“Her milk is also reduced in saturated fatty acids and higher in omega 3 fatty acids, while butter made from her milk is spreadable straight from the fridge.”
Dr Snell says Marge is a normal cow in every other way, except for her low fat milk production.
“She has passed on this unique trait to some of her offspring, which means these descendants may be able to be used more widely for the benefit of all Fonterra’s shareholders in the future.”
However, Dr Snell reiterates while this discovery is interesting any commercial development is a long way off.
The research that has led to the characterisation of Marge and ongoing work to find why her milk is different has also been supported by the Foundation of Research Science and Technology.
“This kind of research is a great example of the benefits of belonging to an integrated co-operative with farmers and scientists working together for the benefit of all Fonterra shareholders.”
ViaLactia Biosciences (NZ) Ltd, a fully owned biotech subsidiary of Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited.
For further information contact:
David Anderson
Fonterra Communications Phone: 021 507 072
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