New Zealand dairy exporter, Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd, is set to invest NZ$60m (US$28m) in a biotechnology venture that aims to identify genes responsible for certain milk production traits in cattle.

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The venture, named Boviquest, hopes to maximise profitability by identifying genes linked to qualities such as milk fat and protein content and high milk production. By screening cattle for these valuable genes, it will be easier for farmers to select which of their cattle are most suitable for breeding.


Currently, a bull calf is selected for a sire-breeding programme based on its parentage, appearance and performance. Boviquest’s aim, however, is for farmers to use the discoveries of the new venture in order to know which genes to look for in a DNA screening of their cattle.


“The ultimate aim is to customise milk sourced from easy-care cows,” said Denis Jury, product and business development manager for Boviquest.


Boviquest hopes to licence the screening process to breeding companies, such as Livestock Improvement Corp., in order to become self-funding. It is a joint venture, comprised of Vialactia Biosciences, part of Fonterra, and the Auckland Medical School.

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The venture is welcomed by New Zealand minister of trade negotiations, Jim Sutton: “Dairy products account for about 20% of all our export earnings. Therefore, it is crucial for all New Zealand that dairy industry participants grasp the full potential of the knowledge economy. Boviquest is a demonstration of the dairy industry’s willingness to do so.”