SPECIAL REPORT
RYEGRASS
Prevents Facial Eczema The PETA Zinc Dispenser nser PETA Zinc Dispensers accurately dispense zinc sulphatee in drinking trough water providing onomical the most efficient, economical way to prevent facial eczema. ural Developed by agricultural scientists at Ruakura Research mount of Centre, the correct amount d treatment is dispensed per-animal per-day.
AgResearch principal scientist, Dr Greg Bryan with HME ryegrass.
24 hr & 48 hr models available. ough and Simply place in the trough
US tests for NZ-developed ryegrass
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Words by: Elaine Fisher ield trials of a genetically modified High Metabolisable Energy (HME) ryegrass, underway in the United States since 2017, will help determine its value proposition for New Zealand and what the next steps should be, AgResearch principal scientist Dr Greg Bryan says. “Regulations in New Zealand do allow for approved growing and animal nutrition trials outside of containment, however it was agreed by the parties investing in the research that the best path was to conduct these trials to date in the United States where there are less regulatory hurdles and 30 years of GM crop production.” Regulatory approval has not been sought in NZ as yet, given the field trial work continues overseas to prove the trait
the job is done.
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for increased lipids can be successfully translated from the lab to the field. “An important next step in the overseas research will be to feed the ryegrass to the animals in nutrition trials to help determine the value for New Zealand,” Greg says. “Results from these animal nutrition trials will be used to inform regulators in their consideration of any application for field trials in New Zealand. Further publication of research results in peerreviewed scientific journals will also be needed to support any application.” The research began in 2001, initially with the goal to increase the amount of energy in ryegrass available to livestock, by increasing the lipid (fat) content in the leaves. “For about the first seven years the development of the genetic technology to
The efficient, economical way to healthy animals.
www.peta.co.nz Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | November 2021
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