MINSK, 3 May (BelTA) - Belarusian scientists are actively working to develop a domestic Red dairy cattle breed, and the first stage of the project has been completed, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik told the STV TV channel, BelTA has learned.
“The first stage involved acclimatizing Danish Red cows for use in Belarus’ agricultural sector, determining their genetic potential, and establishing housing techniques to ensure both the survival of these unique animals and their high productivity. It’s fair to say the first stage has already been completed,” Vladimir Karanik said.
Breeding work is underway on several farms, including the Ustye experimental farm of the National Academy of Sciences in Orsha District. “The Danish breed is now being used not only at Ustye. There are joint breeding sites in Minsk Oblast, Brest Oblast, and Grodno Oblast as well,” the NASB Presidium chairman the said.
The next stage involves clearly identifying genetic markers for high productivity and high survival rates in the animals, followed by the actual breeding of their own native breed. “This means crossbreeding with Belarusian breeds and others, including Holsteins, to create our own breeding line that will meet the needs of our agriculture,” Vladimir Karanik added, emphasizing that the cows are demonstrating high productivity, and their housing technology has been refined.
As BelTA reported earlier, the breed development project was launched several years ago. The goal is to create Belarus’ own high-productivity Red breed of cattle by 2030, which will serve as an alternative and complement to the Holstein and Black-and-White breeds. The milk produced has higher levels of fat, protein, and vitamins, making it ideal for cheese production.
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