Miratorg conducted genotype studies of 8 thousand dairy cows from breeding farms in the Moscow region

The purpose of the Memorandum is to create conditions for the implementation of projects aimed at developing the agro- and biotechnology sector, genomic technologies in agriculture. In total, the program is designed for 5 years and allows defining and unifying the methods of measuring and calculating breeding value for the most important traits, making the selection of dairy cattle more efficient.

Within the framework of the first stage, 10 Moscow region breeding farms engaged in breeding Holstein cattle joined the Project. Cows of this breed have a high genetic potential for MILK productivity. In total, there are about 30 farms in the region with a total population of 74 thousand animals.

Based on the research results, all participants in the program were issued genomic passports for each animal , which include more than 90 indicators of economically useful traits, genetic diseases, and kinship markers. In addition, the Miratorg Genomic Selection Center assessed the livestock for milk efficiency and compiled a rating of dairy cattle in the Moscow Region.

The importance of the Project for the development of dairy cattle breeding in the region is confirmed by the close attention and participation in the organizational processes of specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Moscow Region. The costs of animal genotyping in the amount of 80% of the total cost are subsidized from the regional budget.

it is important to note that the selection index of dairy productivity of cattle developed by Miratorg to a greater extent reflects the complex genetic value of animals for the most economically significant indicators than the indices currently used in animal husbandry.

The holding pays great attention to genetics, systematically investing colossal efforts and resources in research , contributing to the development of the domestic agro-industrial complex. The laboratory of the Miratorg Genomic Selection Center is capable of conducting up to 400 thousand studies of farm animal DNA per year and is among the top 10 global genetic veterinary laboratories in terms of productivity.

"Miratorg's Genomic Selection Center uses modern methods of assessing animal qualities based on genotype data to speed up the selection process and improve the efficiency of Moscow Region livestock breeders. In the process of working on this task, we feel the participation of the Moscow Region Government and the Governor personally, and we also see what significant support the regional authorities provide to farmers. All this is important for the country's food security and achieving import substitution goals in the agricultural sector as a whole," said Viktor Linnik, President of Miratorg Agribusiness Holding.

"A year ago we signed a memorandum, and we already have the first results. The task is to make selection in the dairy direction more effective, and also to be competitive in the world market. Our joint program is designed for 5 years. During the first year, Miratorg conducted research on the genotypes of 8 thousand dairy cows from breeding farms in the Moscow region. In simple terms, this is necessary to select the best genes for further reproduction of a healthy herd, to effectively predict the productive qualities of the offspring, - said Andrey Vorobyov. - In total, there are about 36 farms in the region and the research will be continued. This will increase the productivity of the herd, as well as create a genealogical base for dairy cattle."