UK sheep breeders are taking advantage of the new Ovine Embryo Export Health Certificate which last week saw a shipment to the United States.

The shipment of mainly Swiss Valais Blacknose embryos from Raymond Irvine and Jenni McAllister's Highland flock and Dumfriesshire breeder, Bruce Goldie, were collected by Edinburgh-based breeding technology company, AB Europe. They were shipped to Rolleston Veterinary Services based in Maine, New England for transfer to producers throughout the States seeking to introduce new genetics.

Further shipments over the coming months will include Charollais, Cheviot, Dutch Spot, Herdwick, Kerryhill, Teeswater, Texel, Wensleydale and Zwartbles genetics.

AB Europe’s Geraint Thomas explains: “The new trading activity is one of the first thanks to more than 20 years of collaborative work to open the UK’s small ruminant export market to the US between AHDB, Defra, the National Sheep Association, the UK Export Certification Partnership and British Livestock Genetics’ Henry Lewis.

“This shipment to the US is worth more than £250,000 and we forecast there is an opportunity for an estimated 1000 embryos in the next 12 months facilitated by export companies such as AB Europe or between US breeders approaching UK flocks.

"Demand is being driven by the US sheep sector’s various interests including for new breeds and increasing the gene pool heritage genetics.

“Trading protocols include two-month isolation pre and one month post collection together with TB and blood tests, and genotypes such as ARR/ARR, ARR/ARQ and ARQ/ARQ.”

NSA’s Phil Stocker comments: “Since our trading future is very much a global one, this shipment of sheep embryos to the US is great news and really encouraging for the future.

"Supplying sheep genetics is far less contentious that meat and finished products, and I have no doubt it will help build trust and confidence in GB as a trading partner.

“Britain is renowned for the diversity and quality of its sheep breeds, as well as good standards of technical germplasm services – evidence that our breed diversity, and reputation for reliable services are virtues that can help add value and interest to our industry.”