Grateful thanks are extended to John Wilkes, USA-based Sheep Consultant, for reproducing the following report:
UK Ovine Embryo Export Overview
Maine based Veterinarian Dr Matt Rolleston acts as first receiver and distributor for US sheep breeders who purchase to import UK ovine embryos through AB Europe and Farmgene. Both AB Europe and Farmgene are currently the only UK companies licensed for US export.
Dr Rolleston provided an update on breeds, numbers, and approximate value to-date for UK ovine embryo imports. Dr Rolleston has handled all imports since the USDA published the Small Ruminant Rule to afford UK access.
Overall, things look fairly healthy for what was originally envisioned to be a niche US market sector for the UK sheep industry with £1,738,646 in total sales.
2023 Statistics:
514 UK Swiss Valais Embryos
72 Scottish Blackface Embryos
98 Suffolk Embryos
86 Kerry Hill Embryos
39 Texel Embryos
20 Dutch Spotted Embryos
11 Zwartbles Embryos
514 Swiss Valais value £975,500
326 UK domestic breeds value £247,446
840 Total Embryos
2024 Statistics:
Which breeds have an import permit and await export (approx. US arrival date 22 September 2024)?
266 Swiss Valais Blacknose Embryos £505,000
14 Scottish Blackface Embryos £10,700
Total £1,738,646
UK domestic breeds – approx. value £765 per embryo
UK Swiss Valais – approx. value £1,900 per embryo (some sold for more £2,656 per embryo)
The website for US genetics importer Heritage Sheep Reproduction lists a further 110 embryos imported in September. Breeds include: Dutch Spotted, Kerry Hill, North Country Cheviot, Wensleydale.
Outlook:
Dr Matt Rolleston is personally involved with ongoing UK embryo collection for the following breeds: Swiss Valais Blacknose, Wensleydale, Suffolk, Kerry Hill. These embryos are due in the US before the end-of-year 2024.
JOHN WILKES E: johnwilkesusa@gmail.com