World statistics for artificial insemination in cattle

A world survey of the artificial insemination industry was carried out in 1999 based on country data from 1998. A two-page questionnaire with 62 variables, ranging from semen availability to inseminations performed, was sent to 198 countries. A total of 109 countries (57%) returned the questionnaire filled in either partially or completely; (responses: Africa 29/43, North America 2/2, South America 17/34, Far East 27/40, Near East 12/29, Europe 31/45). A summary of the responses indicates that there were 648 semen collection centres (SCC) registered and 1635 semen banks. More than 40 000 bulls (41 084) were housed in these SCCs and 264 million doses of semen were produced (95% deep-frozen: 50% in Europe, 27% in the Far East and 16% in North America). The types of breeds involved and their distribution were difficult to establish; however, it can be stated that approximately 75% of the semen doses originated from bos taurus dairy breeds. International movements of semen were rather important with close to 20 million doses exported in 1998. A total of 110.4 million first inseminations were reported which corresponded to about 20% of the total number of breedable females recorded in the overall FAO database for the responding countries. More than 50% of the inseminations were performed in the Far East with more than 58 million, 34% in Europe and 10% in North America. Compared to the previous survey, a considerable growth in the number of doses prepared as well as females inseminated can be noticed. This may be due to an increased number of inserninations performed but may also be related, at least partly, to more efficient data collection. In conclusion, the artificial insemination industry seems to be very active, large numbers of doses are being processed (2.5 times more than inseminated), intense international exchanges are observed and approximately a fifth of the breedable female population in the world is now bred by artificial insemination. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.