Large-scale work on the genetic improvement of dairy cattle is planned to begin in 2024 as part of the new state program of the Stavropol Territory. Its implementation will be carried out by scientists from Stavropol State Agrarian University and the Kurchatov Institute with the support of the Government of the Stavropol Territory, the Ministry of Agriculture of the region and the Innopraktika company.

Plans to launch the program were announced during the visiting Academic Council of Stavropol State Agrarian University. Traditionally, the event was attended by university researchers, government representatives, as well as heads of leading agricultural enterprises in the region.

As part of the program for the genetic improvement of dairy cattle, scientists intend to evaluate the available livestock by genotypes and phenotypes. In particular, it is planned to evaluate milk quality indicators in farms by the content of proteins, fats and the level of somatic cells, as well as to carry out genetic certification of breeding animals (creation of DNA profiles), having received information about their potential. 

The availability of these data will allow scientists to accurately understand the productivity of each cow and make up the best herd in terms of characteristics. In addition, scientists will have the opportunity to build, predict, and program productivity in the long term.

    — Today we have a complete set of all necessary tools for the implementation of the program. A laboratory for milk quality control and the largest laboratory of molecular genetic examination in the South were established at the university, and assistant and expert confectionery services were launched. We already cover 100% of breeding cattle in the region in terms of milk quality and have genotyped almost 4 thousand heads of cattle, — said Vladimir Sitnikov, Rector of StGAU. 

    The result of the program for the genetic improvement of dairy cattle should be the creation of its own breeding core and the launch of a national genetic database containing information about the best cattle, which will reduce the import of foreign seed.