Genetic Improvement

Genetic breeding, a term aiming to increase economic productivity in animal breeds specific to each country through more efficient production and husbandry, is a biological practice that requires many years of dedicated effort.

In practice, it can be applied to animals such as cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, rabbits, and more. However, it is commonly used in commercial applications for large and small livestock as well as in horses.

Genetic breeding in the context of artificial insemination, using frozen bull semen with the technical infrastructure established through the rectovaginal method, is a critical process. The most important parameter is the correct application of the right semen to the right dam. This process aims to enhance the herd’s production capacity, address any genetic diseases if present, and correct genetic problems through gene transmission.

The technique of storing frozen bull semen has gained commercial importance in Turkey and many other countries. Subsequently, it has rapidly contributed to the diversification of various animal breeds worldwide.

In Turkey, the widespread use of artificial insemination, which started in the early 2000s, has led to the country achieving a genetic capacity for cattle, sheep, and even horses that meets international standards.

Genetic breeding involves changing and improving the genetic structure of economically important plants and animals according to desired traits, using genetic and cytogenetic principles. Methods of genetic breeding include hybridization, selection, gene transfer, and cloning, among other techniques. The goal of genetic breeding is to enhance the productivity, quality, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation of plants and animals.

Genetic breeding, first scientifically established by Gregor Mendel, has advanced to more sophisticated levels today through biotechnological techniques. It is the process of modifying and improving the genetic makeup of plants or animals according to desired traits.

The Goal of Genetic Breeding

The goal of genetic breeding is to enhance productivity, quality, resilience, and adaptation. Genetic breeding can be achieved using various methods, some of which include:

  • Hybridization: Creating a new genetic structure by combining two plants or animals with different genetic backgrounds.
  • Selection: Choosing and breeding individuals within a plant or animal population that possess desired traits.
  • Mutation: Genetic changes that occur in the genetic makeup of a plant or animal. Mutations can be natural or induced through artificial means.
  • Gene Transfer: Adding a gene from another organism to the genetic makeup of a plant or animal.

Genetic breeding plays a significant role in agriculture and animal husbandry. Through genetic breeding, more efficient, high-quality, resilient, and environmentally adaptable plant and animal varieties can be developed.

Genetic breeding also contributes to human health. For example, it can lead to a reduction in proteins that cause allergies, the production of high-nutrient foods, or the treatment of genetic diseases.

Coşkunfırat has been distributing frozen bull semen of European origin and Turkish bull semen throughout Turkey since 2014, particularly in the regions of Central Black Sea, Central Anatolia, and Eastern Anatolia. They have successfully provided veterinary surgeons and livestock operations with professional genetic materials.

They have taken on the distribution and dealership of professional genetic material producers such as Turkish Native Bull Milking Station (Süper Genetik), European Genostar, Australia Genetik, Spermex, and more.