Precision Breeding using Artificial Insemination vs. the Bull

The NFU has set a goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the whole of agriculture in England and Wales by 2040\. Morrisons have pledged to be the first supermarket to be directly supplied by 'net zero' carbon British farms by 2030\.

Artificial Insemination (AI) is not traditionally used in beef cattle reproduction with less than 10% UK beef herds adopting the practice. However, it can have many benefits, allowing farmers to select sires that are suited to their herd's breeding programme (e.g. maternal vs. terminal traits) without the expense of buying and keeping multiple bulls improving genetic potential and efficiency, whilst decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Sustainable breeding improvements lead to decreased days to slaughter, reduced waste and increased resource efficiency however uptake is currently limited due to lack of confidence in semen quality and implementation or understanding of precision management.

This project will assess practical opportunities to adopt precision breeding for transformative genetic progress in beef suckler herds by enhancing sustainable reproductive success in the first phase of the breeding season. Quality tested sexed semen and AI will combine with precision management, reporting results in terms of cost benefit, reduced GHG and key performance indicators including breeding indices.