Two Danish high school students have developed a curious and clever idea that blends genetic science with a touch of humor: a dating app for cows. While it may sound like a joke, “MooMatch” is a serious attempt to help farmers improve cattle breeding practices and reduce the risk of inbreeding.
Genetic matching replaces romantic preferences
Rather than matching users based on interests or location, MooMatch matches cows based on genetic diversity. The app is the brainchild of Katrine Wittrock and Anna Hjerrild Faijaars, both students at Bjerringbro Gymnasium, who presented their idea at the national science competition “Unge Forskere” (Young Scientists).
“Instead of matching based on interest, like we all know from dating apps today, you match cows based on genetic diversity. This reduces the risk of inbreeding and disease,” explained Anna Hjerrild Faijaars in an interview with DR Nyheder.
From prototype to potential agricultural tool
Currently, MooMatch is only a prototype, but the students have already envisioned how the app could work in practice. When a calf is tagged, a genetic test would be conducted and uploaded to the app’s central database. Later, when a farmer wants to breed the animal, they would enter the cow’s ID into the app, which would then generate a genetically optimal match from the database.
The creators aim to simplify the often complex topic of cattle genetics, making it more accessible for everyday farming. “We wanted to take something that can be quite heavy and make it manageable,” Faijaars said.
Finalists with big ambitions
Their innovative approach earned them a spot in the finals of the Unge Forskere competition, scheduled to be held in Aarhus at the end of April. Encouraged by their success, the duo plans to conduct further field research with farmers to assess the app’s real-world applicability.
Program coordinator Kathrine Bruhn Holck praised the young inventors: “The world needs children and young people who are interested in science and technology. Competitions like this are a way to inspire that.”
MooMatch stands as a compelling example of how youth-driven innovation can address real challenges in animal husbandry, all while capturing attention with a witty twist.
