Market access win for Australian livestock genetics

World class Australian ruminant (cow, goat and sheep) genetics are now more easily traded to Chile.

An audit from the Chilean agriculture department has approved all department-accredited ruminant germplasm (semen and embryo) centres for export to Chile. This is a cost saving to exporters as individual centres are no longer subject to 2 yearly industry-funded audits from Chile.

The livestock semen and embryos will be used to help improve the genetics of the Chilean cattle, sheep and goats, and this will also mean improved quality of meat, dairy and textiles from Chilean livestock.

Chile is a significant importer of livestock germplasm from Australia. Chile has signalled further interest to increase import of sheep and goat genetic material.

Australia has exported 400,000 doses of cow semen at a conservative estimate value of $8 million since 2014.