Digitalization Set to Accelerate Russia’s Pedigree Livestock Industry

On March 1, 2026, mandatory registration of pedigree livestock in FGIAS PR came into force across Russia. From that date forward, official pedigree breeding operations can only be conducted through this digital system.

Animals not entered into FGIAS PR cannot be sold as pedigree stock. The platform will issue pedigree certificates and permits, including documentation required for importing breeding materials. FGIAS PR becomes a unified digital marketplace for tracking, verifying quality and managing the circulation of pedigree livestock.

Building a National Livestock Database

Work to create a unified national database for agricultural animals has been underway for several years. Such a system can function effectively only in digital form and relies on AI technologies for data processing and verification.

The process began in October 2021 with voluntary registration of agricultural animals in the veterinary system Khoryot (Harriot). As of March 1, 2023, registration became mandatory for all farm animals. The Khoryot platform was developed by FGBU VNIIZh (Federal Center for Animal Health), which operates under Rosselkhoznadzor, specifically to identify and register agricultural animals. Its primary objective is to oversee veterinary procedures and the quality of livestock products. Animal tagging and identification are integrated into the system.

In 2022, development and testing began for FGIAS PR, the Federal State Information and Analytical System for Pedigree Resources, designed to create a comprehensive digital database of all pedigree livestock in the country. Pilot testing involved four regions: Tatarstan, Udmurtia, Arkhangelsk Region and Altai Krai.

To move forward, you need to understand what you have. Introducing the new system is, among other things, an audit of our domestic pedigree resources. Order is now being established everywhere. Starting digitalization may seem intimidating, but once the system is operational and mastered, work becomes significantly easier and time and effort can be used more efficiently

Sergey Knyazev

Director of KGBU Center for Agricultural Consulting of Altai Krai

Digital Oversight of Pedigree Livestock

Beginning in March 2026, all pedigree farm animals and herds that have passed genetic value assessment must be registered in FGIAS PR. Regional executive authorities responsible for pedigree livestock management conduct the registration process.

The system covers pedigree animals in dairy and beef cattle breeding, sheep farming, pig farming, goat farming, horse breeding, reindeer breeding, fur farming, camel breeding and yak breeding, as well as certified pedigree herds. In total, 13 types of pedigree animals across 85 Russian regions are included.

FGIAS PR carries a technically complex mandate. All submitted data undergo automated verification, including cross-checks with the Khoryot veterinary system. Registration requires detailed information on each animal, including lineage, growth and development metrics, productivity indicators and breeding value. After confirmation, animals receive a unique identification number certifying their pedigree status. This automation streamlines pedigree recordkeeping while eliminating duplicate entries and manual data input errors.

A Clear View of the Entire Breeding Sector

Previously, centralized development of Russia’s pedigree livestock industry was constrained by the absence of a unified, structured database. Authorities lacked a comprehensive, real-time picture of the sector.

Deployment of the system is expected to move livestock breeding to a new level of development. The pedigree livestock market becomes transparent. Farmers, breeders and research institutions will have real-time access to verified information on breeding value. The system prevents the sale of animals with questionable lineage under the label of pedigree stock.

Digital accounting of pedigree herds and data analysis will operate in real time. Government authorities, farms and sole proprietors will receive free access to the database. The quality of breeding work is expected to increase significantly. The digital system enables a shift from tracking farms as units to tracking individual pedigree animals, improving the precision and effectiveness of genetic selection. Import of breeding materials will be strictly controlled. Buyers will be able to verify issued documentation online.

Beginning in 2027, the procedure for obtaining state support for pedigree farms will be substantially simplified. The digital platform will also enable creation of a national breeding value index for agricultural animals based on aggregated data.

Higher Output and Global Market Integration

Collectively, these measures are expected to modernize Russia’s pedigree livestock sector and increase meat and milk production. Implementation of FGIAS PR enhances transparency and strengthens international confidence in Russian pedigree farms.

FGIAS PR will be integrated with international systems such as OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) and ICAR (International Committee for Animal Recording). Standard harmonization will enable export of breeding materials, particularly to markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Latin America. As a result, the global competitiveness of Russia’s livestock industry is expected to increase significantly.