Abstract:

This paper takes the genetic improvement of beef cattle in Jilin province as a case study, systematically summarizing the practical achievements made in policy implementation, selection and breeding practices, breeding system construction, talent cultivation and innovation platform building. By developing differentiated improvement pathways based on diverse breed resources, implementing multiple support policies, and establishing multiple national core breeding farms and bull stations, Jilin has achieved one of the highest levels of breed improvement in China, and has become an important benchmark for beef cattle genetic improvement nationwide. At the same time, the case reflects a number of common challenges in advancing genetic improvement of beef cattle in China, such as the lack of sound specialized administrative institutions, the absence of professional breeding organizations, and the shortage of highly skilled technical personnels, which constrain the enhancement of the core competitiveness of the breeding sector and progress toward greater self-reliance in and control over germplasm resources. Considering the long breeding cycle substantial investment requirements, and public-good nature of beef cattle breeding, together with the national strategic need for germplasm security, four targeted policy recommendations are proposed. First, it is to strengthen the unified leadership of industry authorities at all levels, improve the hierarchical implementation and full-chain supervision mechanism, and promote the implementation of work. Second, it is to encourage the construction of a breeding organization system with the participation of the whole society, with industry associations playing a coordinating role, enterprises serving as the main actors, and research institutions providing scientific support, to form a collaborative force. Third, it is to establish a pyramid-structured technical workforce, through introduction, cultivation, and support, to address shortages in both grassroots technical personnel and high-level leading experts. Fourth, it is to establish a long-term and stable policy and financial guarantee mechanism to solve the problems of insufficient breeding investment and long breeding cycles. It is hoped that this study will provide a useful reference for improving China's beef cattle genetic improvement system, enhancing the ability of self-controlled seed sources, and promoting the high-quality development of the beef cattle industry.

Key words: Beef cattle genetic improvement, Jilin province, Germplasm security, Countermeasures and suggestions