Cows produce skimmed milk naturally

Scientists in New Zealand have discovered a bovine gene that allows some cows to naturally produce skimmed milk.

The gene was discovered when biotech company ViaLactia screened the range of milk compositions across the entire herd of four million New Zealand cattle.

Scientists plan to use this information to breed herds of milkers producing only skimmed milk. It could also be possible to breed cows that produce full-fat milk with only unsaturated fats, instead of the detrimental saturated variety.

"In future, if whole milk can be made to contain unsaturated fats " which are good for you " then it might mean that people change back to whole milk products," said Ed Komorowski, technical director at Dairy UK.

"The big thing about dairy products is taste, so this would be a way of giving the benefits of taste without the disadvantage of saturated fats."

The researchers also plan to breed a commercial herd by 2011 that produces milk with the unique characteristics required to make a butter that is spreadable straight from the fridge.

They have already identified a cow (aptly named Marge) with the genes required to do this.

New Zealand dairy firm Fonterra has already made milk products from Marge's milk and claim it maintains the correct taste.