| 2015-11-25 |    |
Finding the Stars of the Future
Ever wondered what life is like as a Sire Analyst? That’s the question Cogent Breeding is asking young cattle breeding enthusiasts as they offer them the chance to take part in the Cogent Futures programme 2016.
The programme, now in its sixth year, is open to all budding geneticists aged 16 – 26. It aims to give participants a taste of life as a Sire Analyst and provides a comprehensive introduction to genetics and breeding
(L-R) Cogent’s Andrew Holliday, Andrew Patterson, Tom Hull as well as our winner and runner-up for 2015, Scott McLean and Carys Jones.
As part of the experience, candidates will be given the chance to visit a range of dairy herds throughout the UK and will be assessed on their ability to select potential bull mothers and match these cows to a suitable sire.
The highest scoring candidate will receive an elite embryo package consisting top quality Holstein embryos and travel to Holland where, they will visit a number of farms to gain an insight into the country’s latest breeding strategies and dairy cattle genetics.
Owain
Harries, Cogent’s Genetic Procurement Manager, said:
“The
Cogent
Futures programme is a wonderful opportunity for budding geneticists,
sire analysts and devotees of cattle breeding to learn vital skills
and get a true taste of genetics. The competition is now in its sixth
year and I have seen it go from strength to strength. The Futures
programme offers a real opportunity for participants to shape both
their own futures and the future of cattle breeding.”
