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Platypus Milk

Discussion in 'Wildlife & Nature Conservation' started by birdsandbats, 15 Mar 2018.

  1. birdsandbats

    birdsandbats Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    I read a few articles today saying that Platypus milk may be able to combat superbugs:

    Platypus milk: unlikely weapon in fight against superbugs

    Platypus milk 'could help save lives'

    Platypus milk might save your life some day

    If this turns out to work, where would the milk that is sold come from? Captive individuals? Wild individuals? Could this have an affect on the wild Platypus populations? Or, on the other side, could this open the way for captive Platypi (or is it Platypuses?) to be found outside of Australia?
     
  2. Welsh Zootographer

    Welsh Zootographer Well-Known Member

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    Often Platypus is used for the plural as well as the singular. Platypi technically is incorrect as the name comes from Greek (Platapous - flat footed) not Latin, so should probably be Platypodes. :)
     
    jayjds2 likes this.
  3. Hix

    Hix Wildlife Enthusiast and Lover of Islands 15+ year member Premium Member

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    It certainly wouldn't come from wild ones. There would either have to be a captive breeding group that is actually breeding - which is even harder to find than the milk - or they will synthesize it in a lab (which would be the most efficient and cost effective way).

    :p

    Hix
     
  4. CGSwans

    CGSwans Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    It would absolutely be synthesized. It's the only plausible way that it could be scaled.