First Limousin embryos head to Australia

The Charolais embryos were consigned by former international Charolais president, Murray Lyle, Mid Cambushinnie, Dunblane, from the cows, Loganbar Naomi and Loganbar Nicola, and Jim Goldie, Townfoot, Mouswald, Dumfries, from the cow, Bonnykelly Pandora.

Interest in UK beef genetics is gathering momentum, according to Eggs-Port's Sheila Eggleston, who reports increased overseas interest in semen, embryos and pedigree cattle from British herds.

"We are getting enquiries from all over the world from breeders interested in upgrading their herds with top-quality British genetics," says Ms Eggleston.

Eggs-Port have recently sent a shipment of 24 Aberdeen-Angus to Germany comprising 20 from the Aln herd of former chairman of the National Beef Association, Duff Burrell, at Broome Park, Alnwick, Northumberland, and four from Neil F Massie's and Sons' Blelack herd at Dinnet, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.

The four heifers from Blelack and 10 from Aln have gone to Bernard Delle and the other 10 Aln heifers to Karl-Otto Lauck. Both have large herds of Aberdeen-Angus in Bavaria and are regular visitors to the Perth bull sales.

"The sale of Aberdeen-Angus cattle to Germany follows a tour of herds by German breeders and we expect to do more business with Germany with Aberdeen-Angus and other beef breeds in the future," says Ms Eggleston.

A group representing the Aberdeen-Angus, Limousin and Charolais breeds is due to visit Bavaria in early October on a trade mission organised by Eggs-Port in conjunction with the Bavarian Cattle Breeders Association.

A large consignment of Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Dexter, Galloway and Polled Simmental semen has also gone to Switzerland.