April 21, 2021, 6:00 am
The use of fresh semen has grown in popularity over the last number of years amongst dairy farmers and artificial insemination (AI) service providers.
In New Zealand, fresh semen is commonly used – even more so than frozen semen – due to its convenience and speed of use.
The fresh semen programme, which is run by Progressive Genetics and Munster Bovine, has grown in popularity over the last few years in Ireland.
This year’s fresh semen programme began on April 14, and is due to finish around June 2.
”Last year over 35,000 fresh straws were used, which was a 12% increase in the use of fresh semen on farms, with a further increase of around 10% expected this year,” according to Shane Leane from Progressive Genetics.