The new genetic service can be used for breeding by identifying genetically superior female calves, maximizing breeding productivity, and providing eggs for fertilization. (image: Rural Development Administration)
SEJONG, Jan. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — A service that informs Korean cattle farmers by predicting the genetic ability of female calves will be implemented to help genetically superior hanwoo give birth to multiple calves.
Hanwoo refers to beef cattle produced in South Korea.
The Rural Development Administration and NongHyup Agribusiness Group Inc. have established a system for predicting the genetic ability of Korean cows and will provide the service to Korean beef farmers from March.
Once the service is implemented, it will be possible to determine whether a cow will be raised to breed or for beef as early as possible, as the genetic information of a female calf is enough to predict its genetic capability.
Up until now, the cow’s ability was known only after the cow had calves and the calves were raised and tested.
Even if the calf had good genes, based on past test results, there were multiple cases in which these cows were slaughtered. There have also been cases in which cows with low fertility gave birth to multiple calves.
Meanwhile, the new genetic service can be used for breeding by identifying genetically superior female calves, maximizing breeding productivity, and providing eggs for fertilization.
Depending on a cow’s genetics, the service can help farms improve the quantity and quality of meat being produced, and can reduce uncertainty when it comes to breeding.
On the contrary, genetically incompetent female calves can be excluded from breeding or produced at a low cost by applying the specification method according to their ability.
Farmers who want to benefit from the genetic service can receive related counseling after two months, along with the results of genetic analysis, if they provide samples such as the cow’s hair roots and individual identification numbers to the genetic consulting agency.
DNA extraction and genetic analysis costs around 100,000 won (US$85.80) per cow.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
