October 17, 2002

The discovery was made by BoviQuest, the joint venture between two farming co-operatives, Fonterra owned ViaLactia Biosciences (NZ) Ltd. and Livestock Improvement.

Known as Optimum, the gene optimises the milk characteristics rewarded under New Zealand’s payment system - it increases milkfat and protein, while decreasing the volume of water.

BoviQuest has issued a licence for the commercialisation of the gene to Livestock Improvement.

Peter Gatley, Livestock Improvement’s General Manager Genetics said “the gene has two alleles identified by the letters ‘A’ or ‘T’. ‘A’ alleles increase milk volume, whereas ‘T’ alleles increase milk solids. Every animal will be either AA, AT or TT, the most favourable combination being TT”.

“While it’s only one gene among many, its impact can be seen when we look back at bulls we have already progeny tested. The success rate is significantly higher for TT bulls. This is why most proven bulls are seen to be of the TT variety. And because progeny testing is so expensive, screening out unfavourable allele combinations prior to making the investment will improve efficiency and save money”.

“Although the average herd can be expected to carry a substantial proportion of the ‘A’ allele in its cows, elite proven bulls seldom do. But farmers wanting to increase the frequency of the ‘T’ allele in their herds need to ensure that bulls they use are TT”.

Mr Gatley said this is a small but significant step toward the future when AB companies and farmers will have much more precise information on which to base their breeding decisions. “Ultimately our knowledge will enable us to avoid the need for progeny testing altogether”.