The Chungnam Provincial Livestock Research Institute (Director Lee Kwan-bok) announced on the 14th that a Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) independently bred by the institute has been recognized for its excellence in genetic evaluation and selected as a national certified bull.

The newly selected certified bull (Chungnam Hanwoo-No. 4, KPN2036) was evaluated as having superior genetic capabilities in major economic traits, such as carcass weight and loin muscle area.

National certified bulls are used to produce semen supplied to Hanwoo cows nationwide, and are selected through genetic capability evaluations utilizing pedigree management, performance testing, and genetic analysis.

With the recent introduction of an evaluation system utilizing 12-month-old genomic analysis, the traditional selection period—which used to take about five years—has been shortened to around one year, increasing the efficiency of Hanwoo breeding.

The selected certified bull will be transferred to the Hanwoo Improvement Center for management. Following an 11-month process of semen production and stockpiling, its semen is scheduled to be supplied to farms through the NACF Hanwoo Improvement Center starting next August.

Since 2021, the research institute has prioritized supplying 87,000 straws of semen from previously selected Chungnam Hanwoo-Nos. 1 through 3 (KPN1461, KPN1463, KPN1636) to farms within the province. The institute plans to similarly prioritize supplying superior semen from this newly selected certified bull to local Hanwoo farms to support Hanwoo improvement and enhance farm income.

An official from the research institute stated, "This selection of a national certified bull once again proves the genetic excellence of Chungnam Hanwoo," adding, "By prioritizing the supply of superior semen to Hanwoo farms within the province, building a high-capacity Hanwoo cow population, and applying scientific breeding techniques, we will elevate the value of Chungnam Hanwoo and continuously enhance the competitiveness of local Hanwoo farms."

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