BreedExpo project trip to Finland

From August 11 to August 13, as part of the BreedExpo project, Maira Dzelzkalēja-Burmistre, Raimonds Jakovickis, Inga Bērziņa and Sandis Liepa visited Finland on an experience exchange trip to gain experience with Finnish cattle breeding.

August 11 In the Finnish city of Vihti, representatives of the Farmers' Assembly visited Yara's Kotkaniemi research center, where Yara specialists presented their experience and research results in improving the quality of grasslands using balanced doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. We also visited the cooperative "VikingGenetics", where we got acquainted with Finnish cattle breeding programs and selection criteria for potential breeding bulls.

August 12th ZSA representatives visited the Finnish Natural Resources Institute “Luke”, which promotes bioeconomy and sustainable use of natural resources. During the visit, we got acquainted with the institute's breeding animal selection methods, research in dairy cattle breeding and beef cattle genome evaluation. Continuing our visit to Finland, we also visited the agricultural museum “Sarka”, which depicts the history of Finnish agriculture in a versatile and interesting way.

August 13 Following all biosecurity measures, the BreedExpo working group visited Finnish family farms that raise dairy and beef cattle. The dairy farm “Lähteenmäki” raises approximately 200 cattle, and the owners practice sustainable farming. The farm converts some of the manure into biogas, which is then used for heat energy, while the rest of the manure is converted into soil conditioner and used as secondary bedding in the cattle sheds.

In turn, the beef cattle farm “Inkere Estate” raises approximately 400 cattle, among which only Hereford and Angus breeds were visible. High welfare standards were observed on the farm, as a result of which the animals have very good health, which, in turn, reduces veterinary costs. In conclusion, representatives of Finland's largest dairy company “Valio” presented the pricing policy in milk purchases to regulate milk production volumes, as well as the role of dairy cattle breeding in milk quality.

PRESENTATION: Faba – Dairy and Beef Breeding In Finland

PRESENTATION: VikingGenetics – innovative breeding

PRESENTATION: Luke – Genomic evaluation of Finnish beef cattle