October 6, 2010

New bovine embryo transfer plant opens in Ireland

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith has officially opened Bovi Genetics, a new Embryo Transfer Unit aimed at expediting genetic improvement in the Irish dairy and beef sectors, at Loughduff, County Cavan.

Embryo transfer technology can contribute to achieving the goals set out in the Food Harvest 2020 Report which has set ambitious targets for growing the dairy and beef sectors, said Smith.

The new facilities have been approved by the Department for international trade in accordance with the relevant EU Animal Health legislation.

The ministry is keen to develop a strong market for Irish genetic material and is working with Bord Bia to develop trade links and protocols with a number of countries. Initial progress has seen market access achieved to the Chinese market for Irish bovine semen.

"It is vital that we continue to develop and promote our cattle breeding industry both at home and abroad," Smith added. Output of dairy and beef production is valued at almost EUR3 billion (US$4 billion) annually to the Irish economy.