Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

AgResearch applies to expand GM research

Updated at 9:01 am on 8 August 2008

Crown research institute AgResearch has applied to expand its trials involving the genetic modification of animals.

The Environmental Risk Management Authority says it has received four related applications from AgResearch for wide-ranging studies of modified cattle, goats, sheep, possums and hamsters in contained facilities.

AgResearch has two existing approvals for research into producing human proteins with health benefits from the milk of transgenically modified cows.

But the institute's head of research, Jimmy Suttie, says smaller animals such as goats offer new possibilities.

ERMA says because of the complexity of the applications, it has extended the normal period for public comment until the end of October.

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