From The Cow To You And To Me

Who ever could imagine that cows were so enterprising? And here we arrogant humans always attribute low intelligence to bovine specimens. I mean, who knew that Marge the cow might be so fascinated with producing healthy milk to benefit humans that she would alter her genetic endowments for the good of humankind. (Alternately, she would appeal to the Great Cow in the sky to deviate sufficiently from the norm of milking cattle - in her case Friesian - to gift us with her very special output).

Bless Marge.

For her milk is one-of-a-kind indeed. Meant specifically for all us health-conscious butter and cheese lovers. Marge, you see, produces a skimmed milk product. No kidding, she does. Furthermore, her milk is high in omega-3 oils and contains polyunsaturated fat. Marge is a living miracle. She has not been specifically bred to produce her quality product. Her outstandingly healthy product was discovered in 2001 when researchers purchased her in New Zealand - after having screened millions of cattle - for the modest sum of $240.

A company based in Auckland, New Zealand, called ViaLactia had high hopes Marge would deliver calves with her extraordinary ability, that is to say her very particular genetic mutation. And she has! Her daughter has now produced milk just like the mother. Now the researchers are waiting with bated breath to determine whether Marge's male offspring - commonly known as bulls - will be capable of passing on her traits.

And if so - they're off to the races! er, the dairies. The biotech firm which has been so carefully nurturing Marge, evaluating her extraordinary output and that of her daughters, are still trying to identify and isolate the specific genes that Marge hosts. Just think about it; even the butter produced from Marge's milk is different. It spreads readily even cold from the refrigerator.

That's our girl. Mooo!