May 15, 2006

 

UK launches artificial insemination programme to boost sow productivity

 

 

British Pig Executive (BPEX) has launched an Artificial Insemination (AI) strategy to impart knowledge and improve semen quality to boost sow productivity, chief executive Mick Sloyan announced at the Pig and Poultry Fair.

 

Despite having achieved an increase for the past two years, the UK is still 2-3pigs/sow a year behind the EU, he said.

 

To catch up, BPEX has embarked on a three-prong strategy to create greater awareness of AI as a means to improve breeding performance, he said.

 

AI gained interest among farmers after movement restrictions were imposed during the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001.

 

However, some farmers lack the training and are thus unable to make the best use of the technique.

 

Thus, a strategy was needed to tackle this problem.

 

One part of it involves posters to help farmers and stockmen improve technique.

 

A second part is a project to assess AI success in about 50-60,000 sows across more than 70 farms.

 

The third part involves the setting up of a reference lab to ensure quality control of the semen from AI studs.

 

The CASA semen testing computer programme from the US would be used to establish a benchmark for UK studs.

 

BPEX has also launched a national AI Assurance Scheme for AI studs covering all elements of the production, storage, packaging and distribution of semen.

 

Suppliers of pig semen can register with the lab to receive feedback comparing their performance to the national benchmark.

 

Major semen suppliers such as ACMC, PIC and JSR have signed up to the scheme, Sloyan said.