A New Zealand biotech company has identified a pretty special mutation in a Friesian cow called Marge. Marge
produces a normal level of protein in her milk but substantially less fat, and the fat she does produce has much more unsaturated fat. She also produces milk with very high levels of omega3 oils.
The trait is heritable, and a commercial herd producing milk that is healthier and butter that is spreadable right out of the fridge is expected to be ready by 2011. The boffins at ViaLactia are looking for the gene involved.
What makes anyone think that mutant low-fat milk is “more healthy”
What if butter is good for you?
I’m sure a little butter is good for you. I’m also sure too much probably isn’t. That said, I pretty much agree that this story is getting way more coverage than it probably deserves.
This tickled me though:
“We are removing nearly 60 million pounds of saturated fat annually from the American diet, while keeping the same great taste,” said Rocco Papalia, senior vice president, research and development, Frito-Lay North America.
From FDA approves unsaturated fat health claim.