Gangwon Livestock Technology Research Institute Selects Superior Hanwoo Cows Through Genomic Analysis

260 Cows from 110 Local Farms Selected
Hanwoo Quality Expected to Improve with Supply of Highly Preferred KPN Semen

The Gangwon Provincial Livestock Technology Research Institute announced on the 25th that, based on the Hanwoo cow genomic breeding value assessment conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the National Institute of Animal Science, and the Hanwoo Breeding Center of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, a total of 260 cows owned by local farms have been selected as superior individuals.

A panoramic view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.

This selection was made by analyzing 139,000 cows nationwide and identifying the top 30% based on their genomic data. In Gangwon Province, 260 cows (2.6%) from 110 farms (9,000 cows) were chosen as top-tier individuals, demonstrating a higher selection rate compared to other regions.

The selected cows possess outstanding genetic traits for premium beef characteristics, such as carcass weight, ribeye area, and intramuscular fat. The province plans to accelerate Hanwoo quality improvement and breeding by supplying highly preferred superior semen in varying quantities to farms with top-ranking cows.

The application period for semen runs from the 24th to Wednesday, October 1st. Selected farms can purchase semen in units of 5 straws per farm (up to a maximum of 30 straws). Applications can be submitted through the semen application system of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation.

Seok Sungkyun, Director of Agricultural Policy at Gangwon Province, stated, "This selection of superior cows and the supply of semen mark an important opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of Gangwon Hanwoo." He added, "We will continue to expand tailored breeding consulting and the dissemination of early selection technologies for superior cows, aiming to increase farmers' actual income and establish a stable foundation for the Hanwoo industry."