Following the reinstatement of the Export Health Certificate (EHC) last November, the UK sheep industry has very much welcomed the first export of ovine embryos to the USA. Here we share the Farmers Guardian report written by John Wilkes which appeared in today’s edition of the FG (25 August). There is also an FG podcast available which is a 14-minute extended report on the export including an interview with USA vet Matt Rolleston.
The inaugural consignment of UK ovine embryos arrived in the US on August 16, 2023
Dr Matthew Rolleston, a vet and livestock reproductive specialist in Maine took delivery of 137 UK Swiss Valais Blacknose embryos.
Dr Rolleston says: "We are very excited to have the first import of ovine embryos into the US from the UK."
The shipment exported by UK genetics company AB Europe was made possible by means of US government 2021 animal health legislation. This legislation allows lamb and embryo exports from countries subjected to a 33-year embargo after BSE.
Prior to this first consignment, Swiss Valais genetics originating in the UK could legitimately enter the US as embryos via New Zealand; earning the NZ sheep industry approximately £3 million.
Value
Embryos in this shipment will be marketed through Dr Rolleston for UK breeder/exporter clients. Dr Rolleston says: "I would say Valais embryos in this tank range in value from £2,200 to £4,000 each depending on their pedigree. We estimate this first tank at around £400,000."
This is the beginning for what is hoped to be continuing trade between US and UK sheep breeders. Dr Rolleston is soon to receive his own embryo shipment from UK genetics exporter Farmgene.
Other breeds
He says: "We are looking at Suffolks, Texels, North Country Cheviots, Scottish Blackface, Kerry Hill and Dutch Spotted embryos in that next tank. We should have 400 to 500 embryos in the shipment. In terms of value, they will not be quite the same as Valais; they will probably average £800 per embryo."
The US sheep industry is focused on enhanced genetics to benefit lamb production by way of the Sheep Genetics USA initiative.
Dr Rolleston says: "Within the US Suffolk breed for example, it is possible to establish some new lines for people looking for a different style with extra bone and muscling we see in the UK type. They have been able to achieve this using UK Suffolk semen; some are looking for these traits from embryos."
Charollais
Dr Rolleston thinks the burgeoning US ethnic lamb market could also benefit. "If someone were to establish the UK Charollais breed here, that may make a good cross on some Western flocks to supply the ethnic trade.
"UK embryos can tighten up some genetics sought in existing breeds and allow unique breeds to come over and be sustainable. Pedigree embryos avoid multi-year grading up programs otherwise required to establish a new breed."