On Monday, April 28, 2025, our Institute welcomed a delegation of experts in performance testing and breeding—primarily of dairy cattle—from Finland and Estonia. They were accompanied by Doc. Kučera and Ing. Dřízhalová of the Czech-Moravian Breeders’ Corporation, Inc. (CMBC). The visitors showed interest in the work of our Institute and cattle farming in the Czech Republic.
The group was originally formed of representatives from all the Nordic countries, with the purpose of attending the national AnimalTech exhibition in Brno. Although the exhibition was ultimately cancelled due to concerns over the potential spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and most countries withdrew their participation, the delegation from Estonia and Finland chose to proceed with their visit.
Representing Estonia were Kaivo Ilves, Aire Pentjärv, Saive Kase, and Merle Lillik from Eesti Põllumajandusloomade Jõudluskontrolli AS (Estonian Livestock Performance Recording Ltd.), all of whom are involved in performance recording and breeding activities.
Finland was represented by Kirsi Leppikorpi and Teija Hellberg from the ProAgria association, which provides performance recording services in Finland.
The Institute and its areas of focus were personally presented by the director, Dr. Martin Faldyna. He also provided an overview of the funding sources available within the Czech system of science and applied research.
In light of the current FMD situation in neighbouring Slovakia and also in Hungary, Dr. Bernardy delivered a presentation on the situation in Europe and the preventive measures adopted by the Czech Republic.
Dr. Fleischer gave an expert presentation on the high standard of Czech cattle breeding, further extending the visitors’ understanding of the Institute’s cooperation with CMBC, other organizations, and breeders in this agricultural sector. He also spoke, among other things, about the web applications developed at the Institute that are used by breeders, along with ongoing projects related to cattle health and mastitis control.
Given the limited time available, an overview of two of our Institute’s laboratories and the research groups specializing in mastitis was delivered through a presentation prepared by Dr. Zouharová. The interactive and well-rounded discussion was significantly deepened by insights from Dr. Borkovec and Dr. Fichtelová, making the three-hour professional programme passed all too quickly for everyone involved.
