Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 496: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of the national herd on which artificial insemination is being used for breeding purposes; if she is satisfied that enough effort is being made to encourage the use of high quality breeding stock through this system; if not, her plans to encourage this system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38709/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2005 (the most recent year in which full year statistics are available) there were a total of 2.350 million cows in Ireland and between 35 and 40% of these cows were bred to artificial insemination (27% via AI technician service and the remainder via DIY AI).

These figures are low by international standards, with AI usage figures of greater than 80% being reported in other developed countries. As AI permits the use of superior proven genetics to be used on a widespread basis allowing for rapid improvement in the National herd, I am concerned at the low and falling uptake of the service that has taken place over the last number of years.

In 2006 I was therefore delighted to be in a position to provide €67,000 towards the cost of an initiative developed by all partners in the industry designed to lead to the increase in the uptake of AI. The involvements of parties such as AI companies, Teagasc and ICBF led to a focused education and promotion campaign through the Spring of 2006.

Preliminary figures for the 2006 AI season indicate that the decline in AI usage has been arrested, with an increase in being reported by many of the AI companies.

Plans are underway for further AI promotion. My Department has already facilitated three meetings of all industry stakeholders recently with a view to organizing a Spring and Autumn 2007 campaign. I am awaiting industry proposals outlining an A.I. campaign involving both Department and industry based on matching funding. I will make a decision on funding for my Department when the proposals are submitted to me.

My Department is fully committed to increasing the uptake of AI in the National herd, and I am always open and positive towards any industry initiative that will help farmers achieve better profits on their farms.