Benefits of milk investigated

Benefits of milk investigated

Jersey milk is being marketed in New Zealand as A2 Milk

It is being claimed that a protein found in milk produced by some Jersey and Guernsey cows could provide better protection against autism in children, schizophrenia, diabetes and heart disease.

It is thought Jersey milk is generally richer in the substance A2 beta casein and contains less of other proteins that can lead to heart disease.

The case for what has been called A2 milk is being investigated by scientists in New Zealand and Australia, where milk producers have begun marketing A2 Jersey milk.

Most milk contains A1 proteins which, it is claimed, are linked to heart disease.

'Far healthier'

But scientists say there is evidence milk produced by Jersey and Guernsey cows has very low levels of A1.

It has lead more and more milk producers there to consider marketing milk containing the A2 proteins, which are thought to be beneficial.

The owners of Fairbrae Farm in New South Wales have been breeding Jerseys for over 50 years.

Three weeks ago, they started producing Jersey milk from specially-bred Jersey cows which produce A2 milk.

They believe it is far healthier than other milk and it has been trialled at the local school.