SmartFarmRani is making progress in genetic conservation and livestock innovation in Ávila

The SmartFarmRani project continues to develop new actions in the province of Ávila , reinforcing its commitment to innovation, genetic conservation and the improvement of sustainability in extensive livestock farming of native breeds.

As part of these activities, members of the project traveled to the Ávila Provincial Council to collect semen from two genetically superior Bociblanca bulls of the Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed . The doses obtained will be used in upcoming inseminations planned within the Operational Group, contributing to the genetic improvement and preservation of this valuable livestock resource.

During the event, a collaboration agreement was also formalized between the Royal Spanish Association of Breeders of Select Avileña-Negra Ibérica Cattle (RAEANI) and the Ávila Provincial Council . This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in the extraction, storage, and transfer of semen doses to local livestock farmers, with the aim of using innovation to conserve and strengthen native breeds.

The project is being carried out on a farm located in Villarejo del Valle, in a typical area of the Ávila mountains, which has a herd of 119 cows and five bulls, notably including specimens of the Bociblanca breed. This livestock base allows the project's actions to be validated under real production conditions.

SmartFarmRani, an operational group focused on the application of precision livestock farming, has the overall objective of improving the profitability, efficiency, and resilience of extensive farms raising Avileña-Negra Ibérica beef cattle. Its main lines of work include the development of new feeding, health, and reproductive strategies; the improvement of animal welfare and environmental sustainability; and the definition of resilience indicators applicable to extensive cattle farming, the results of which can serve as a model for other native breeds.