Target Maximum Increase in Animal Yield with High Quality Artificial Insemination

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Livestock, continues its "Genomic Selection" studies, in which the breeding value is determined by taking advantage of the genetic characteristics of the animals, without slowing down. The aim of the project is to achieve maximum increase in animal production by artificial insemination with semen obtained from high-yielding animals.

The determination of economic yield characteristics in animals by many genes stands as an important obstacle for breeders in terms of high yield.

MAKING GENE MAPS

Genomic Selection studies carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry removes this obstacle from being a problem.

With Genomic Selection, genes that are controlled by many gene regions and determine the yield characteristics on cattle are detected.

Thanks to this technology, gene maps are obtained from studies carried out using DNA sequences.

Thanks to the gene maps, it is possible to estimate the breeding value in terms of yield characteristics by using gene information.

IT IS DETERMINED IF BULLS CAN BREED WHEN THEY ARE ALREADY

Thanks to this breeding value determination, the DNA of the bulls is examined while they are still calves and it can be decided whether they will be a suitable bull that will provide the desired yield in the future. Thanks to this technology, breeders can learn whether their cattle can be used as breeders at a younger age by having them tested.

EXTERNAL DEPENDENCE ON GENETIC MATERIAL WILL REDUCE

With genomic selection, the supply of breeding materials suitable for our country will be met by domestic means, and foreign dependency will be reduced in the use of breeding stock and genetic material (sperm, embryo). With the implementation of genomic technologies in animal breeding, the high quality breeding animal production and competitive animal production required by our country on a national scale will be paved.

TARGET ANIMAL PRODUCTION INCREASE

Genomic selection studies started in 2016, and the process of establishing a reference population for the Holstein breed was completed. Work on the Simmental race continues unabated.

It is aimed to increase animal production by supplying highly productive breeds by using the semen obtained from Holstein-Friesian and Simmental breed bulls, whose genomic breeding value has been determined, in artificial insemination applications.

MINISTER KIRİŞCI: “WE WANT TO BRING TECHNOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL”

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Prof. Dr. Vahit Kirişci stated that there are dizzying developments in the field of technology every day in the world and pointed out the importance of our country and the Ministry not to miss this.

Pointing out that while the development of countries was largely measured by steel or energy production in the past, today this evaluation is made entirely according to the criteria of having information and information technologies, Minister Kirişci stated that they developed visionary policies for this reason.

Underlining that technological developments enable a more qualified production, Kirişci said, “Technology is important, but agriculture is also important. The most beautiful thing is to bring together technology and agriculture at the highest level and to show all kinds of sensitivity. As the Ministry, we use technologies that take care of the environment, increase quality and maximize efficiency.

Stressing that as the Ministry, they benefit from all the possibilities of science, Kirişci said, “Taking into account the developments made in recent years, these innovative projects are successfully implemented in animal production as well as plant production.” transmitted the information.