< Mass production of 『high producing calf』 by using OPU method > As part of strengthening competitiveness of Korean cattle farmer against FTA, Gyeongju Agricultural Technology & Extexsion Center clarified that the first high producing calf was produced on January 28 by transferring fertilized egg of Korean native cattle produced by using OPU method to recipient cow (surrogate mother).

By using the cow with the best meat quality (000182126819) and the breeding bull produced in Gyeongju (KPN 802), fertilized egg was produced and transferred through the OPU (Ovum Pick-up) technique, and the high producing calf was produced. Its birth weight was 26.5kg--1.5kg heavier than regular calf, and it showed that its physical constitution was stronger than regular calf.

※ OPU (Ovum Pick-up, direct egg collection technique) is a high technology that collects the egg from ovary directly by using ultrasound device
※ The differences of OPU method from existing production method of fertilized egg are as following: 1. Cow's health and safety of reproductive organ can be secured since hormone is not used on the cow for collection of egg (impotent cow) 2. More healthy calves can be produced compared to the existing method since more than 50 fertilized eggs can be produced in 4 months

Lee Gangseok (Angang-eup, Gyeongju-si), person who produced the calf emphasized that "it takes more than 10 years to improve the Korean native cattle by artificial insemination, but transferring fertilized egg can save 2 million KRW of income of farm per head and also can produce premium meat within 1-2 years"

Section chief of technologic development of Gyeongju Agricultural Technology & Extension Center stated, "We have planned to select 5 of the best cows, produce fertilized eggs and transfer to 180 cows. We will accelerate the Korean native cattle improvement business in order to produce the premium meat by maintaining the future business."