NZ Scientists Breakthrough in Dairy Milk Production

摘要

AgResearch scientists have uncovered key factors for improving New Zealand's dairy cows' milk production. Their research which elucidates the different ways the mammary gland responds to various environmental factors, has now led to their discovery ofan important epigenetic event. The scientist leading this project is Dr Kuljeet Singh, who says it is well known that factors such as nutrition and hormones influence the number and activity of the cells within the mammary gland that secrete milk proteins, therefore influencing levels of milk production. How exactly the secretory cells respond to internal and external influences is still a matter of intensive research, but Dr Singh's team's studies offer a glimpse of the potential of epigenetic regulation in manipulating mammary function.