Australia
May 23, 2008
A newly developed 'Supergrass'
could help Australian farmers increase productivity for
livestock.
Molecular Plant
Breeding Cooperative Research Centre (MPBCRC) scientist Yi
Tu said their research project may not only improve the
livestock industry, but also save the farming industry millions
of dollars.
"Pasture plays a vital role in the livestock industry. Even
small changes that improve nutrition can greatly increase animal
performance. For example, even a 6% unit increase in
digestibility can result in a 27% increase in summer milk
production. This could translate to millions of dollars in
benefits to the dairy industry."
"You are what you eat, as the saying goes, and it's no less true
of livestock than it is of people."
Ms Tu said the research has focused on improving the quality and
digestibility of pasture grass using biotechnology. By eating
grass with improved digestibility, livestock can get more
nutrition from eating the same quantity of grass.
"Lignin is a cellular 'glue' of sorts that gives plant tissues
their rigidity and strength. We have been working to understand
the genetic and biochemical basis for this".
"Currently, two genes are considered as the key lignin producing
genes. Using a biotechnological tool that works much like a
genetic 'switch', we have been able to turn down the amount of
lignin produced in perennial ryegrass plants."
"With ongoing research in this field this new Supergrass could
provide Australia's livestock producers with substantial cost
savings and productivity increases, enhancing Australia's
reputation as a premium producer of meat and dairy".
MPBCRC is a Cooperative Research Centre established under the
Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centres Program. |
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