ASMO nucleus herd
ASMO nucleus herd produces AI bulls and strengthens the Ayrshire breed. ASMO scheme was set up in 1997 and it is the first nucleus herd for red dairy breeds in the world. ASMO is a MOET (Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer) scheme in the Ayrshire cattle run jointly by Agrifood Research Finland (MTT) and Embryocenter Ltd.
ASMO nucleus herd is a central part of the Finnish breeding program for Ayrshire cattle. ASMO aims to produce embryos of high quality and genetic merit from tested elite animals as well as AI bulls of high genetic merit. Means of achieving these goals are producing embryos efficiently from heifers, testing the first calf heifers and intensive selection as well as acquiring replacement heifers for the nucleus herd in a well planned manner.
