Australia restarts UK cattle semen imports

By Boyd Champness

AUSTRALIAN authorities last week lifted the decade-long ban on cattle semen imports from the United Kingdom.

The first deliveries of cattle semen from the UK are expected to arrive in the next two to three weeks, after UK and Australian authorities agreed on animal health protocol – allowing for the resumption of trade.

Local importer Brian Mayne, of Genetic Management Services, told the Stock and Land the move would provide Australian breeders of both British and European dairy and beef cattle with access to traditional native types and bloodlines.

Protocol for importing embryos is still under consideration, the newspaper said.