Patrushev: Russia is sufficiently supplied with genetic material for pig and cattle breeding

RUSSIA has sufficient genetic material for pig farming, as well as for beef and dairy cattle. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev announced this at a meeting between Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and deputy prime ministers.

"Over the past few years, our country has developed an extensive breeding base for 13 species of farm animals. We have sufficient genetic material for pig farming, as well as for beef and dairy cattle. Since 2023, we have been actively developing poultry breeding, for which purpose the Smena breeding and genetic center was established with government support. We need to develop the quality characteristics of our breeding stock. This task is addressed within the framework of the national project 'Technological Support for Food Security,'" Patrushev said.

He noted that for the first time, special support measures have been proposed at the federal level aimed at stimulating scientific research and the implementation of innovative methods. "This primarily concerns genomic selection, which allows us to more quickly identify and enhance beneficial productive traits in farm animals." "This significantly accelerates breeding processes," the Deputy Prime Minister explained.

Patrushev also added that the national project includes a separate tool for developing genomic selection: reimbursement of up to 70% of the costs of molecular genetic testing of cattle . "Such scientific research will increase the rate of growth in livestock productivity and, consequently, the volume of livestock production." "In the future, a domestic genomic evaluation system will be developed, which will enable more effective work to improve the productive qualities of animals," he emphasized.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, almost 500 million rubles are allocated from the federal budget for this program this year. Support will be available to any Russian breeding farms that use genomic selection tools in their work. "Furthermore, this measure will be in demand by companies participating in the implementation of the relevant component of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Agriculture," he added.

"We expect that approximately 400 applicants will be able to receive funds in 2025. We plan to increase the amount allocated for this program in the future," the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.