Exports hit high

BRITISH CATTLE genetic exports hit a high not seen since pre-BSE days with £7m worth of semen sales reported in 2004.

Henry Lewis, livestock export manager for the English Beef and Lamb Executive, told a Royal Show press briefing on Sunday the 750,000 straws of semen had gone to 37 countries.

In total 23 dairy and beef breeds had exported semen.

“Five years ago we had no livestock at the show here because of foot-and-mouth and no exports. But with the help of DEFRA and the industry we now have £7m worth of new business,” said Mr Lewis.