![]() GF: In the past, breeding required skills that were passed down from one generation to the next. Q: What is the difference between how Montbéliarde breeders worked in the past and how they work now? "Genotyping has doubled our knowledge of these breeding criteria and allowed us to make much faster progress." We are proud to be able to support the breed and these products with our services. The Montbéliarde breed produces rich milk for these high-quality cheese products, which are recognized in France and valued throughout the world. This high quality, of course, is the result of centuries of experience, the know-how of breeders, of grass-grazing ‘terroir’, and the cheese makers themselves. We sell over 9000 animals for export every year and more than 700,000 insemination doses are used outside of France.įrance is well known for the high quality of its cheeses. Our subsidiary, Coopex Montbéliarde, works with farmers from about 50 different countries. We are also seeing strong development of this breed internationally. ![]() ![]() We’ve seen significant growth in the market for the last 20 years or so. It has adapted well to the intensive weather conditions in the mountains, which is why it is also popular in the east of France and in the Rhône-Alps region. The Montbéliarde was bred for its ability to produce high-quality milk, as well as its ability to use the edible resources available in the mountains. Originating in the Jura Mountains, this is a breed that is very well suited to the conditions in the east of France. In France, we have more than 400,000 cows and in the UMOTEST area, we assist 15,000 farmers who breed these animals. Guillaume Fayolle (GF): The Montbéliarde is the second most popular breed of dairy cows in France and its market share is growing. Q: Could you tell us more about the distinctive features of the Montbéliarde cattle breed? Guillaume Fayolle is Manager of the Breeding Program for UMOTEST. ICommunity spoke with Fayolle about the UMOTEST breeding program and how genotyping and selective breeding are creating strong, healthy, and productive Montbéliarde cattle herds in France and throughout the globe. In the last few years, advances in genomics have revolutionized what the collective can do for its members. As early as 2000, UMOTEST was using marker-assisted selection to assess animals. These programs also help in identifying and controlling genetic disease within herds. It is something that I love doing.”įor nearly two decades, UMOTEST has been a leader in the development and systematic use of genetics and genomics to produce and disseminate sexed semen that possesses positive breed features, such as better longevity and high-quality milk production. “Helping to create robust breeding plans with the genetic tools we have today is not just a job for me. “I come from a family of farmers who are passionate about breeding,” Fayolle said. Fayolle advises breeders on how selective breeding can improve their herds, and the meat and cheese their animals produce. He's from a family of Montbéliard dairy farmers and for nine years he has been the Manager of the Breeding Program for UMOTEST, an agricultural collective of 3000 partner breeders in France that specializes in Montbéliarde cattle. Breeding these impressive animals is in Guillaume Fayolle’s blood. Originating in the mountains of Eastern France, the breed has adapted to thrive in cold and hot weather, as well as produce a milk worthy of being the basis of the country’s finest cheeses. The Montbéliarde cattle breed is known for its robustness.
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