This is part of the Mater's and PhD program for Kaylee Spain, supported by Agricom - PGG Wrightson Seed
She is working on an exciting project focusing on forages which may provide benefits for human health via animal products. A key part of this study is examining the relationship between forages with unique polyphenolic profiles and how these may alter the products produced by animals grazing them. This involves taking milk samples from ewes grazing different forages. Specific polyphenolic compounds are known to be beneficial to human health through various anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant applications.
She aims to demonstrate that by feeding forages rich in these beneficial polyphenolics, hoping to produce milk that is also rich in these polyphenolics, with potential applications to enhance human health.Both conventional and novel forages with unique polyphenolic profiles have been investigated. In addition to the forage effect on milk composition, the productivity and practicality of being able to incorporate these forages into a farming system is also being evaluated. Kaylee is excited to be part of a project that will not only have potential benefits for human health, but also could have significant benefits for the sheep industry in New Zealand.
