New Dairy Genetic Improvement Program Launched in Paraná

The municipality of Francisco Beltrão in Paraná has initiated a novel program focused on the genetic improvement of dairy herds. This program, known as the Programa de Melhoramento Genético, Gestão e Qualidade do Leite dos Rebanhos Leiteiros, is a collaboration between the Municipal Secretary of Agriculture and the Associação Paranaense de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Holandesa (APCBRH). Initially, it will serve 50 local farms.

The program's design includes direct technical support for participating farms. According to Denise Chiapetti Adamchuk, the Municipal Secretary of Agriculture, farmers will gain insights into herd management, milk quality, and herd performance. This comprehensive diagnostic approach is intended to aid in decisions such as animal selection and genetic material usage.

The development of the program took about a year, as the Secretary of Agriculture collaborated with APCBRH to finalize its structure. Politically, the program received backing from Mayor Antonio Pedron, who approved funding, viewing it as a vital permanent public policy to strengthen dairy production. The city's legislative body also unanimously supported the program's establishment.

In its initial phase, the program focuses on farms with up to 40 lactating cows, with technical monitoring provided to 25 cows per farm. Participation is voluntary and based on technical criteria set by the Municipal Secretary of Agriculture.

The official launch coincided with the monthly replenishment of liquid nitrogen for artificial insemination, an event that regularly attracts local dairy farmers and industry representatives. Should demand exceed the initial 50 slots, the Secretary has indicated a potential expansion to include more farms.