Low Fat Milk Straight From the Cow

Thanks to a chance genetic mutation discovered in a female Friesian cow named Marge, scientists in New Zealand are trying to create a herd of cows that are able to produce low-fat milk. Regular cow’s milk contains 3.5 percent fat—what we refer to as whole milk. But Marge was somehow able to produce 1 percent milk. Not only was her milk lower in saturated fat, it also contained high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to bestow a number of protective health benefits.

Two of Marge’s calves are said to have the gene. The challenge for scientists is to figure out a way of ensuring the gene is passed on to create sufficient herds of low-fat-milk-producing cows to supply commercial markets. While this could potentially revolutionize the dairy industry, don't expect to see products from such cows until 2011 at the earliest, and expect to pay a premium.