The small ruminant industry (sheep and goats in particular) in North America is relatively small both in numbers and in economic impact when compared to other livestock commodities such as cattle, pigs and horses. However in many other parts of the world sheep and goats are very important, both economically and culturally. This has led to a dramatic increase in inquiries regarding live animal and frozen germplasm (semen and embryos) exports from Canada to many countries around the world. The international agricultural community regards Canada as having a relatively low risk of disease, and as producing some of the best genetics available worldwide. There is a demand for high producing meat and milk genetics from both sheep and goats. |
There is an inherent risk of disease transmission and also a very high monetary cost associated with the transportation of live animals to other countries. Because of this, the shipment of frozen embryos and semen has become an economically viable option as a way to market genetics around the world. Thousands of doses of semen, and frozen embryos can be shipped virtually anywhere that airplanes can land. The only limitations to this is that the importing country must have an official import protocol negotiated with the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), and that the germplasm was frozen under the appropriate government and regulatory restrictions in Canada. The importing country must initiate protocols, and each country's government will negotiate with the CFIA independently. Frozen or fresh semen for distribution anywhere in Canada, and frozen semen for export to any other country must be processed by a CFIA certified quarantine facility, specifically licensed for sheep and goats. Embryos that are frozen for sale must be processed by a CETA (Canadian Embryo Transfer Association) certified team. | Artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs are also an important component of the international and domestic sheep industries and can be an economic, and biosecure way of introducing new and elite genetics into a flock. |
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