July 12, 2006

UK urged to leverage its edge on cattle genetics

UK livestock breeders should exploit current demand and export their cattle's world-class genetics, Jean-Pierre Garnier the Meat and Livestock Commission's (MLC) export manager for meat and livestock genetics said at a trade show.

Garnier noted there was a huge demand for UK breeding cattle after the recent lifting of the ban on the UK's live exports.

The market in central European countries, Ukraine and Russia look particularly attractive and were set to grow as they rebuild their livestock industries, Garnier said.

Breeders need to relearn the export mentality after a 17-year-absence from the market, Garnier said.

Garnier said UK breeders should consider potential markets and their respective requirements. The UK exported 7000 to 10,000 head of pedigree cattle, mainly to EU countries, in the late 1980s. 

Enhanced trade in live animals would also give ballast to the market for semen and embryos, Garnier added, noting that the MLC aimed to treble semen exports to 1m doses within five years.

Besides cattle genetics, good opportunities also exists for pig and sheep genetics, said Garnier.

With China and other developing countries focusing on their pork industries as well, the sky is the limit for UK genetics, Garnier said.