increase font size
LIC SCIENTISTS HAVE discovered genetic variations which impact milk composition in dairy cows.
All cows have the 'fat gene', named AGPAT6, but LIC senior scientist Dr Matt Littlejohn says the variations they've discovered provide a genetic explanation as to why some cows produce higher fat content in their milk than others.
"If you think of milk production in the cow's udder as a factory assembly line, this variation is one of a few workers in the 'fat chain', with that worker being very efficient in some cows, and a bit lazy in others.
"The finding of AGPAT6 helps us to better understand what goes on in a cow's mammary gland and how milk composition is regulated by genes," Dr Littlejohn says.
The discovery, which was recently published by the international scientific journal PLOS ONE, will now be used to help improve the accuracy of the farmer-owned co-operative's genomic selection programme for AB sires and drive further genetic gain improvements of the NZ dairy herd.
The finding represents one of only a few cases worldwide where the underlying gene affecting differences in milk composition has been identified.
The variation was discovered as part of LIC's DNA sequencing programme, which aims to map variations in genes in a cow's DNA that can impact production and health. These variations will be used to improve the accuracy of genomic selection.
The sequencing programme has led to previous discoveries including the Small Calf Syndrome gene and one which causes loss of pregnancy in cows; it utilises a large sequencing dataset developed by LIC scientists and co-funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries through the Transforming the Dairy Value Chain Primary Growth Partnership programme, led by Fonterra and DairyNZ.
Dr Littlejohn says the sequencing work is a bit like putting together the pieces of a cow puzzle – the more you put together, the clearer the overall picture becomes for genomic selection and identification of which sires are likely to perform best.
"The real benefits will be realised as we pinpoint more genes and variations that we know exist. Stack them up together and you can have quite big effects, particularly when applied to genomic selection."
LIC chief executive David Chin says meeting the revised methane reduction targets will rely on practical science, smart technology, and genuine collaboration across the sector.
Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
Many farmers around the country are taking advantage of the high dairy payout to get maximum production out of their cows.
The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near Taupo.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
