Hanwoo are a native Korean cattle breed prized for their meat, which is among the most sought-after and expensive in the world.
With this service, farmers will be able to select the most suitable breeding combinations, enabling faster and more dependable production of premium hanwoo calves.
According to KOAT, the genomic analysis uses a specialised chip that reads about 54,000 genotypes.
Using this advanced DNA analysis, the service identifies genetic traits linked to meat quality and yield, providing data-driven guidance for customised breeding strategies.
This would enable farmers to select superior stock earlier when previously they would have to raise calves to maturity to evaluate their productivity.
Furthermore, the results help farmers make informed, customised decisions throughout the entire production process. This includes breeding plans and feed management as well.
Rising demand for hanwoo
According to KOAT, there is a rising consumer demand for premium, sustainable hanwoo beef.
On October 30, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) announced that the first 1.5 tonnes of hanwoo beef will be exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This demand driving the adoption of genomic analysis, which helps identify cattle that grow faster, consume less feed, and produce fewer emissions which will boost both profitability and sustainability.
“The hanwoo genomic analysis service offers tangible benefits to both farmers and consumers. We will continue to strengthen science-based breeding systems to enhance the sustainability of the hanwoo industry and improve farm competitiveness,” said KOAT president Ahn Ho-geun.
The UAE is the fifth market official importing hanwoo beef after Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos.
MAFRA expects the UAE to be a key market for hanwoo beef as the market is experiencing a growing demand for premium beef.
The UAE imports 90% of its beef. At the moment, it mostly imports beef from Australia and the US.
International moves
The launch of Hanwoo exports to the UAE in particular is a significant milestone for Korea.
“The export of hanwoo beef to the UAE is not simply an expansion of export markets. It carries great significance of hanwoo’s official entry into the 1.9 billion-strong halal market. We will strengthen our support to further expand hanwoo exports and continue efforts to open new markets through quarantine negotiations,” said Kang Hyoung-Seok, vice minister, MAFRA.
Building on this, MAFRA aims to attract international customers for the premium beef.
This November, as part of efforts to promote hanwoo overseas, MAFRA has started an initiative for foreign tourists to participate in beef tasting sessions and cooking classes.
The ministry will also develop hanwoo-focused tasting and consumption tour programmes aimed at high-spending international travellers.
