Saudi Arabia: Localizing Genetic Evaluation Services and Launching a Digital Platform as a National Reference for Genomic Data

Under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the National Program for Livestock and Fisheries Development (NPFD) today held a ceremony to mark the localization of genetic evaluation services in the cattle and dairy production sector, while supporting the adoption of genomic and biotechnology applications. The event was attended by senior officials from the sector ecosystem, local dairy companies, and relevant stakeholders.

During the ceremony, the National Program and Purasco received official accreditation as two “Accredited Organizations” from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB), the leading international reference for genetic evaluation of dairy cattle. They are the first two Saudi entities to provide these services directly to the local market, reducing reliance on foreign companies. This strategic achievement follows the successful completion of the Council’s comprehensive requirements and opens a new phase that will enable the Program to measure the genetic value of animals, establish a national genomic database to support breeding decisions, and ultimately conduct genetic evaluations entirely within Saudi Arabia, strengthening the Program’s position as a regional and international technical reference.

The ceremony also featured the launch of the Genomic Genetic Evaluation Platform, serving as the national genetic reference for livestock in the Kingdom. The platform aims to provide genomic genetic evaluations of animals based on genetic and production data, strengthen national sovereignty over genetic data and knowledge, reduce reliance on external references when assessing the local livestock population, and measure long-term genetic progress.

The platform will enable breeders to determine the genetic value of animals across key traits and make more accurate breeding decisions that can directly impact farm performance and profitability. By transforming genetic and production data into locally relevant indicators, the platform will support breed improvement and help achieve a better balance between productivity, efficiency, and sustainability under local conditions—contributing to enhanced biosecurity, food security, and the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s livestock sector.

The ceremony also witnessed the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the National Program for Livestock and Fisheries Development and the National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC), Al Safi Danone, Nada, Al-Takhim, and Salam Veterinary Group. The agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in areas including genetic evaluation and improvement, production and genetic data management, veterinary vaccine development, and biotechnology, contributing to improved herd efficiency, food security, and the sustainability of the livestock sector.

The localization of genetic evaluation services and the launch of the Genomic Genetic Evaluation Platform are part of the National Program for Livestock and Fisheries Development’s efforts to establish national databases, improve herd efficiency, enhance production, health, and fertility, preserve genetic diversity, and ensure that genetic data is securely maintained and managed within the Kingdom.

These initiatives will contribute to strengthening sustainable food security, creating new economic opportunities in genetic, veterinary, and biotechnology services, and supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Source: https://spa.gov.sa/