Andrey Grigorashchenko: We were the first in our country to genotype our own livestock of cattle

Despite the difficulties associated with sanctions and an unstable economic environment, some dairy enterprises not only continue to develop, but also successfully implement projects in such complex and expensive areas as genetics and breeding. Andrey Grigorashchenko, Vice President for Regional Development and GR of the Damate group of companies, spoke about the successful experience.

According to the results of work in 2021, the dairy complex of Damate Group of Companies in the Tyumen region reached its planned capacity of 55 thousand tons of raw milk. The livestock of the complex has grown by 13%, at present it has more than 13 thousand heads of cattle. Gross milk yield per dairy cow amounted to over 12,000 kilograms, which we consider a good result. The growth of indicators was facilitated by both systematic work in all production areas and the introduction of innovative solutions, among which is the implementation of the country's first project in the field of cattle genetics. The livestock complex "Damate" is included in the state breeding register and is engaged in breeding cattle of the Holstein-Friesian breed.

We use advanced genetic technologies at the complex, including genomic testing, IVF, embryo transfer. At the beginning of this year, Damate was the first company in Russia to completely genotype its own cattle stock - more than 6,000 animals. Experts determined the genetic potential of a dairy farm herd using genomic selection technologies. Every fourth of our animals received a high potential rating and entered the breeding core. The results obtained will allow us to change the structure of the herd for the better and increase its productivity.

In the spring, we launched a project to introduce embryo transfer. More than 100 operations for transplantation of bovine embryos have been carried out and results have been obtained at the level of European indicators. The transplantation of elite embryos can lead to the creation of a highly productive herd within three years.

If with the traditional method of fertilization (artificial insemination) a cow can give no more than one genetically valuable calf per year, then the use of embryo transfer will allow you to receive dozens of offspring from one animal annually.

The development of innovative technology in Russia will make it possible to reduce dependence on the import of genetic material. Now and until October, the dairy complex is actively gathering fodder, we plan to store more than 155 thousand tons of feed for the livestock of the dairy farm. Balanced feed is a guarantee of animal health, stable milk production and high quality milk.”