Ways to Improve the Biosecurity of Bovine Semen

Abstract

Semen production and trade is a worldwide industry. A framework, based on international standards is awaiting international and national regulation. In the perspective of biosecurity of the final product, critical notes can be made according to the semen production regulation and product safety. Process description brings the obligatory health standards for the production bulls, collection and processing of semen, identification, registration, worldwide distribution and insemination into discussion. Test frequency, test quality and demands, way of sampling and test consistency can influence product safety. New scientific knowledge can influence the value of the regulation. Whether a country is free of notifiable disease should influence decisions regarding necessary tests for the production bulls. The biosecurity of the semen production process is influenced by several factors. The effectiveness of the antibiotics used is questionable. The extenders for cryopreservation added to the semen can affect product safety. The way materials and storage containers have to be disinfected must be clear. In modern industry, tracking and tracing is an important issue. Worldwide differences in ways of identification of straws do not benefit a proper identification and registration throughout the process. Regulation could help improve the transparency of production and trade. Before anything concerning biohazard is implemented in regulation, each rule should be thoroughly based on scientific research where possible and furthermore it must be possible to enforce the regulation. The effort it takes to enforce the regulation should be in balance with the benefit it provides. An approach to alter regulation quickly is advisable. To produce a safe product that is accepted for international trade is of vital interest for the survival of artificial insemination (AI) in cattle.

Factors Affecting the Quality of Cryopreserved Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Bull Spermatozoa

“…Keeping in view the current international trends in disease control, it is possible that extenders having ingredients of animal origin (egg yolk) can be the source of microbes ⁄ bacteria, consequently resulting in the contamination of semen (Bousseau et al 1998;Marco-Jimenez et al 2004;de Ruigh et al 2006). In this regard, LDL extracted from egg yolk (indirect use) or lecithin from non-animal source like soya need to be tested as a non-permeable cryoprotectant in extender for deepfreezing of buffalo spermatozoa.…”

Comparison of in vitro and in vivo fertilizing potential of bovine semen frozen in egg yolk or new lecithin based extenders

“…Biological safety of semen production is influenced by several factors such as the efficiency of the antibiotics used in the extenders, the quality control of reagents, the hygiene during semen processing, and the quality of the extenders (Ruigh et al, 2006). There is an increased global concern regarding microbiological safety.…”

Herd and within-herd BoHV-1 prevalence among Irish beef herds submitting bulls for entry to a performance testing station

“…In addition, BoHV-1-free status is an important issue in the international trade of live animals and some animal products. As an international standard, all semen used in artificial insemination must be sourced from BoHV-1 seronegative bulls [10]. Furthermore, BoHV-1 has been eradicated from a number of countries within Europe (including Austria, Denmark, Finland, several Italian provinces, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland) [1].…”