Читать книгу Bovine Reproduction - Группа авторов - Страница 195

The semen collection – or “custom bull stud” – industry has markedly evolved during the time it has been in existence. Initially, a large majority of semen product was provided by large cooperatives or studs that maintained a large resident bull herd, catering primarily to the dairy industry and its needs. Most bulls in these studs were either purchased outright by stud management or secured by a long‐term lease, and thus breeders/owners very rarely realized the full rewards of their production successes. Beef cattle were processed as an aside, as the beef industry's use of frozen semen products was not widespread. As technology and breeding synchronization systems have evolved, the demand for semen in the beef industry has skyrocketed and custom bull studs have developed throughout the USA. These custom studs allow bull owners the opportunity to present herd sires with proven genetic merit, process and store these quality genetics, and retain ownership and possession of the bull. Also it gives bull owners the option to access the international marketplace by allowing them to transport the frozen semen product anywhere in the world.

To assure health quality of the frozen semen products, any semen produced for export must meet standards set by Certified Semen Services, Inc. (CSS). Recommendations for housing, collection, handling, and health testing are made and supervised by administrators within this organization. Recommendations for health standards for residents at the bull studs are taken from guidelines published by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). This group concerns itself with advising importing and exporting countries on protecting themselves from introducing disease into their countries from foreign sources. Many countries will take the guidelines of the OIE and formulate entry requirements for cattle as well as bovine germplasm, both semen and embryos. Guidelines are specific and must be followed, as entry is forbidden unless standards are met.