Skim Straight from the Cow

Scientists in NZ have found cows that produce skim milk naturally, a discovery that could potentially revolutionise the dairy industry. If researchers can identify the genes responsible for skim milk production, they could breed cows that produce full-fat milk that contains only the unsaturated or “good” fats. The cows were found when NZ biotech company ViaLactia screened the composition of milk from its herd of four million animals. ViaLactia also hopes to breed a herd of cows that can produce milk suitable for spreadable butter. The discovery could prove incredibly lucrative, with skim milk dominating dairy sales in key export markets such as the UK.