Red clover genome to help restore sustainable farming
Monday, November 30, 2015 - 21:50
in Biology & Nature
The DNA of red clover has been sequenced and assembled to help breeders improve the beneficial traits of this important forage crop. Red clover's chief benefits (alongside soil improvement) is to provide a protein-rich livestock feed -- it also boosts omega-3 fatty acids in ruminant milk. Compared to white clover and other legumes, red clover has high levels of an enzyme that causes its' protein to be digested more slowly and effectively -- it's more nutritious per mouthful.