Damate launches projects in the field of genetics
Damate Group launches the cattle genetics project on the basis of a dairy complex in Tyumen region. The Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Ural Federal District, Vladimir Yakushev and the Governor of Tyumen region, Alexander Moor reviewed the details of the project during a visit to the company's dairy complex on February 24, 2021.
Under the project, Damate plans to introduce advanced genetic technologies at the complex, including genomic testing, IVF, and embryo transfer. The project provides for the organization of genomic testing of cattle on a regular basis, the launch of its own embryonic laboratory, the opening of a genetic center for the production of heifers and a training center for specialists.
The developed strategic plan will be implemented within five years, by the end of this period investments will be recouped.
The project will allow Damate to obtain a sufficient number of the most profitable, fertile animals with excellent productivity and high resistance to diseases, to replace ineffective and low-value animals and, as a result, to form a herd with the correct structure.
During the implementation of the project, the company expects to receive 3.8 thousand highly productive heifers, 11.5 thousand embryos, as well as an additional 14.5 thousand tons of milk.
Damate plans not only to provide itself with high-quality genetic material, but also to use the project as a platform for the development of new genetics and to broadcast advanced technologies to the entire market, which will have a positive impact on the development of the industry as a whole.
Damate has already started testing heifers last year. To date, more than 3 thousand calves born on the farm have been genomically tested, 1,800 test results have already been obtained. Findings has shown that 53% of calves can be safely included in the nuclear stock - it is their genetic potential that will form the basis of the project, 22% are calves with high genetic potential that will be included in the genetic herd, and 25% are high-quality calves for the main herd, which embryos will be implanted in the future.
During the year, all breeding heifers raised on the company's farm will be genotyped and the process will be put on a regular basis. The obtained data on phenotyping and performance will allow changing the structure of the herd of cows and young animals.
IVF technologies and embryo replanting will become one of the drivers of Damate's business in the genetic development of animals. IVF at the first stage will be used to update the genetics of the herd; in parallel, the formation of the population of the genetic core of heifers will begin.
The company also plans to create a genetic center - a commercial center for the development of the genetic potential of heifers, which will function in accordance with the established recommendations for the development of cattle, health and genetic value. Its task is to ensure the quality of individual animals. Within 5 years Damate plans to receive 3600 calves, which can be transferred to the genetic center for sexed IVF and sale on the market. This will allow you to continuously improve the potential of your herd, as well as produce donor animals with known genetics and phenotypes for the commercial market.
The embryonic laboratory will produce over 10 thousand embryos per year. The average price for a first grade embryo produced will be around US $ 150.
In order to train specialists, Damate plans to launch its own training center, where employees will improve their qualifications, and new technologies will be relayed to the industry as a whole.
