Int'l Herald Tribune

New Zealand scientists breed cows that produce low-fat milk
The Associated PressPublished: May 28, 2007

WELLINGTON, New Zealand: New Zealand scientists are breeding a herd of cows that produce lower-fat milk after the chance discovery of a natural gene mutation in one animal.

Milk from the cows is also high in health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids and makes butter that spreads as easily as margarine even when chilled, biotechnology company Vialactia said Monday.

Scientists discovered a cow, later named Marge by researchers, carrying the mutant gene in a dairy herd they were testing in 2001, Vialactia chief scientist Russell Snell said.

(snip)

The company expects the first commercial herd of cows supplying natural low-fat milk and spreadable butter for the market by 2011.

Bah. Wake me up when they discover the good stuff.

(c) Copyright 2000 Russell Sifers Candy Company