BLUESEL - an INTERREG France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen project aiming at the conservation and the use of the genetic heritage of the dual-purpose Blue Breeds in Belgium and Northern France

Dual-purpose Belgian Blue and North Blue cattle are mainly located on both sides of the
border between France and Belgium. Even if these Belgian and French Blue breeds are related
because of their common ancestors in the former Mid and High Belgium cattle, these breeds
diverged slightly under differentiated selection objectives in both countries. Within the
BLUESEL project, a first aim consists to create a working group cross-border which will
develop common guidelines for selection of bull dams and elite-matings for this dual-purpose
Blue Breeds. This working group will create and help to conserve a common pool of bulls
available for breeding in both countries. The project will also develop tools to harmonize the
collection of phenotypic data (milk production and morphology). A joint genetic evaluation
for production traits will be developed, adapted to the specifities of these breeds and
integrating data provided by both countries. Others objectives of BLUESEL are the
implementation of a technical and economical guidance of these farms and the improvement
of profitability of farms through advice on management and on improvement of livestock.
The valorisation of these breeds through the development of new and specific products (e.g.
cheese products) is another objective. In summary, the whole project should contribute
maintaining biodiversity in this cross-border region through conservation and use of animals
naturally adapted. The BLUESEL project was launched in July 2008. It is conceived for four
years and is supported by the European Union, the Walloon Region, the Nord-Pas-de Calais
Region and the General Council of Department of Nord.