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The international movement of livestock
THERIOGENOLOGY
THE INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF LIVESTOCK
Alan E. George United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 Received for publication: December 20, 1982
ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the international movement of livestock. The reasons for international movements of livestock are discussed. The factors involved in the international transfer of livestock and genetic material are presented. Statistics of animals, semen, and embryos exported from the United States for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 are presented. The principal countries involved in importing U.S. livestock are listed. INTRODUCTION Since the beginning of the raising of domestic livestock, animals have moved in international commerce. Movement may not have been for the same purpose as we know it today. Armies, in many instances, drove their food supply by foot, used horses to Some of these animals would move their supplies and personnel. eventually end up in another country as a source of new genetic material. Sea captains often had live animals aboard to provide meat and milk for crews. Often these animals were left behind in a foreign country. They became a source of genetic material, introduction of new breeds and species of livestock to another country or continent. they Later, as immigrants moved from one country to another, brought with them animals to be used for food production and work. The transfer of genetic material, today, still includes the live animal. However, since the mid-fifties, semen and, in the seventies, embryos have become a means for genetic transfer.
Invited presentation at the 1Xth Annual Meeting of the International Embryo Transfer Society, Fort Collins, CO, January 16-18, 1983.
FEBRUARY
1983VOL.19NO.2
285
THERIOGENOLOGY
XOTIWATION There are several factors .which motivate the transfer of livestock or genetic material. They are: immediate food supply, establishing new breeds, increasing numbers of livestock, breed improvement, repopulation of national herds, and fanciers and hobbyists. Food Supply Animals for immediate food supply, obviously, would not provide much genetic material but are an important economic factor, especially to countries that border each other or are within close proximity to each other. Transportation costs and differential market prices are factors which determine the extent of this kind of market. However, markets have been established where demands for beef, mutton, and other meats simply cannot be produced in the quantities or quality desired in the importing countries. Droughts and lack of feed grains are also contributing factors. New Breeds Establishing new breeds is another reason for the transfer of genetic material. Cross breeding causes an increase in hybrid vigor and an increase in production. Cross breeding is practiced more in meat-producing animals. To increase the number of these matings new breeds are established to provide a broad base of genetic material which increases the number of cross bred animals produced. Increasing Numbers There are some areas of the world where numbers of livestock are low. Before breed improvements, cross breeding, and adequate food supply can be attained, large numbers of animals must be imported. They are imported with less regard for genetics. Cross breeding and genetic improvement usually occur at a later time. Breed Improvement There are areas where breeds have been established for long periods of time. A broad genetic base has been established with Good genetic quality adequate numbers of animals within the breeds. is well established and production is high. These countries will import small numbers of animals with superior proven genetic The cost will be high per animal but the numbers of potential. animals imported will be small.
286
FEBRUARY
1983VOL.
19N0.2
THERIQGENQLBGY
Repopulation There are times when countries must repopulate their national herds. As high as 80% of some species of livestock were lost because of lack of feed and the use of breeding stock for human consumption during and after World War II in many of the European countries. Disease, such as African swine fever in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, has resulted in depopulation of national swine herds. Repopulation in the Dominican Republic has commenced and is still in the process. Repopulation in Rsiti will begin upon completion of their depopulation, Fanciers and Hobbyists Fanciers and hobbyists will import animals, perhaps just to have They a different breed., with no regard to efficiency of production. may also import because of certain peculiarities such as color, size, or msnnerisms. INFLUENCING
FACTORS
There are several factors involved in the international transfer of genetic materfal. They are: market development (established and new markets), financing, animal health requirements, transportation problems, and servfcing the customer, Market Development Markets already developed are usually those with established These markets are looking for superior genetic populations. Often times, because of material in order to increase production. This the increase in production, livestock numbers are reduced. is especially true in the daisy industry. Today undeveloped markets are those that have not introduced new genetic material. Livestock production and herd improvements have not been undertaken. Although there may be large numbers of animals in the national herds, the base of genetic material is very limited because of the lack of introduction of new genetic material. Therefore, new genetics should have a tremendous impact upon production. For both developed and undeveloped markets, it is desirable to not only provide the genetic material but to also furnish other innovations to increase production. This can consist of management
FEBRUARY
1983 VOL. 19 NO. 2
287
THERIQGENOLOGY
practices,better equipment, nutrition, herd health, breeding programs, and new technology. Financing One should know the various sources of financing available. Through consultation one can determine which source and method is It is best suited for the exportation that is being undertaken. important to make sure all financial matters are arranged and firm before any expenses are incurred. Animal Health Requirements One should determine what the health requirements are before final commitments are made. Reasons for this determination are to assure that they are reasonable and can be met; and it is important It is important in setting up a for'determining price structure. health test schedule that enough time is ailowed to complete the testing required so that shipments can be made without delays. Another important reason for knowing the health requirements, especially for embryos, concerns the donor sire. The health status of the donor sire should be established on If the sire has incomplete testing the date the semen was collected. data on that date, then his semen cannot be certified by the attending veterinarian where the semen was collected. The health status should be determined prior to the collection or use of the semen. Veterinary Services of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is available to help in properly certifying the health status of animals, semen, and embryos. Problems in Transportation Transportation is probably one of the greatest expenses in the movement of animals internationally, especially the live animal. For semen and embryos, it is much less and is one the advantages To help in reducing for this method of transferring genetic material. cost, one should make sure ample time is allowed to complete the testing and health certification. It is important to qualify enough animals for a full shipment with allowances for some rejections because of failure to pass final inspection or inability to properly indentify individuals at the port of embarkation. One should contract transportation with reputable carriers Failure in ventilation equipment is probably with good equipment. This one of the greatest hazards in the shipment of livestock. is especially true for swine.
288
FEBRUARY
1983 VOL. 19 NO. 2
THERIOGENOEOCY
men shipping fresh embryos where tine is critical as many flight schedules as possible should be scheduled in order that alternative flights may be used in case flights are delayed or canceled. Also, the equipment necessary to do embryo transfers should be staged so that it arrives before the embryos. One should have all of the necessary permits, customs documents, and health certificates available so that embryos and the equipment are not delayed upon arrival in the destination country. Servicing the Customer Once a customer or market has been established it is important to maintain sales. The best way to accomplish this is- to maintain This is done by providing animals,'semen, and embryos credibility. that meet the specifications of the contract. Any deviations In the past, from the contract will lead to loss of credibility. markets have been lost because specifications (health specifications, quality of genetics, and type conformation) have not been met. Providing education and information on herd management, nutrition, breeding programs, new technology, and health programs Considerations of cultural, are ways of servicing the customer, and disease conditions existing in the country of env3ponmenta1, destination should be considered in determing what program would' be best suited to implement the above programs. U.S. EXPORT OF ANIMALS, SEMEN, AND EMBRYOS The export of all species of livestock from the United States for fiscal year 1982 (October 1, 1981 to September 30, 1982) was to 64 different countries. The following tables show the number of livestock by species- exported from the United States for fiscal years 1981 and 1982: .Year Ending September 30, 1981 Liivestock exported
Canada
Mexico
Overseas
Cattle Horses Sheep/Goats Swine
23,939 62,497 25,052
14,505 457 85,906 2,983
14,535 3,913 1,672 12,015
52,979 66,867 112,630 \15,497
103,851
32,135
247,973
49.9
Total Animals
FEBRUARY
111,987
1983 VOL. 19 NO. 2
Total
289
Year Ending September 30, 1982 Livestock expo_rted
Canada ___-
Mexico
Cattle Horses Sheep/Goats Swine
85,540 58,527 48,600 2,402 195,069
Total Animals
Overseas
Total ,-------
69,825 21,681 322,040 35,399
14,960 2,379 1,170 14,925
170,325 82,587 371,810 52.726 -_-L-
448,945
33,434
677,448
The leading countries that imported livestock from the United States in fiscal year 1982 are as SolloXs: Cattle - Korea, Saud3 Arabia, Venezuela, Japan, Trfnidad, Nigeria, Colombia, Philippines, Ecuador, Canada, and Mexico. Swine - Dominican Republic, Japan, Venezuela, Taiwan, Singapore, PhfPippines, Maiaysia, Taiwan, Ecuador, Canada, and Mexico. Horses - England, Prance, Japan, Colombia, Ttal;r, Ireland, Wexc?rrico, and Canada. Sheep and Goats - Canada, Nexico, Philippines. The exportation of semen in calendar year 1981 twtaZ.ed 2,4.08,030doses; and, in the first three quarters of 1982, exportations totalled 1,987,587 and are up about 30% over 1981 for the comparable time period, The number of embryos exported in ffscal year 1982 were 533 bovine embryos and 160 porcSne embryos. This is the first year that statistics have been recorded for embryos. PUTURE PROJECTTOXS The future for the exchange of genetic material internationally will still consist of the live animal, semen, and embryos. It appears that as technology improves embryo transfers will be increased and will become an important means of genetic transfer. The advantages of embryo transport are: 1. Reduced costs of transportation, 2. Embryos are free from external and gastrs'intestinal parasites.
290
THERIOCENOLOGY 3. Embryos are free from hemoparasites. 4. Animals born by native recipient dams get colostral antibody protectTon to organisms that are in the dam's envfronment. Research is needed to determine what diseases are or are not W-ith this knowledge, health transmitted by embryo,transfer. requirements may become less strfngent and allow for transfer of genetic material internati-onally that prev?ously had not been permitted.
FEBRUARY
1983 VOL. 19 NO. 2
291
THE INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF LIVESTOCK
Alan E. George United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 Received for publication: December 20, 1982
ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the international movement of livestock. The reasons for international movements of livestock are discussed. The factors involved in the international transfer of livestock and genetic material are presented. Statistics of animals, semen, and embryos exported from the United States for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 are presented. The principal countries involved in importing U.S. livestock are listed. INTRODUCTION Since the beginning of the raising of domestic livestock, animals have moved in international commerce. Movement may not have been for the same purpose as we know it today. Armies, in many instances, drove their food supply by foot, used horses to Some of these animals would move their supplies and personnel. eventually end up in another country as a source of new genetic material. Sea captains often had live animals aboard to provide meat and milk for crews. Often these animals were left behind in a foreign country. They became a source of genetic material, introduction of new breeds and species of livestock to another country or continent. they Later, as immigrants moved from one country to another, brought with them animals to be used for food production and work. The transfer of genetic material, today, still includes the live animal. However, since the mid-fifties, semen and, in the seventies, embryos have become a means for genetic transfer.
Invited presentation at the 1Xth Annual Meeting of the International Embryo Transfer Society, Fort Collins, CO, January 16-18, 1983.
FEBRUARY
1983VOL.19NO.2
285
THERIOGENOLOGY
XOTIWATION There are several factors .which motivate the transfer of livestock or genetic material. They are: immediate food supply, establishing new breeds, increasing numbers of livestock, breed improvement, repopulation of national herds, and fanciers and hobbyists. Food Supply Animals for immediate food supply, obviously, would not provide much genetic material but are an important economic factor, especially to countries that border each other or are within close proximity to each other. Transportation costs and differential market prices are factors which determine the extent of this kind of market. However, markets have been established where demands for beef, mutton, and other meats simply cannot be produced in the quantities or quality desired in the importing countries. Droughts and lack of feed grains are also contributing factors. New Breeds Establishing new breeds is another reason for the transfer of genetic material. Cross breeding causes an increase in hybrid vigor and an increase in production. Cross breeding is practiced more in meat-producing animals. To increase the number of these matings new breeds are established to provide a broad base of genetic material which increases the number of cross bred animals produced. Increasing Numbers There are some areas of the world where numbers of livestock are low. Before breed improvements, cross breeding, and adequate food supply can be attained, large numbers of animals must be imported. They are imported with less regard for genetics. Cross breeding and genetic improvement usually occur at a later time. Breed Improvement There are areas where breeds have been established for long periods of time. A broad genetic base has been established with Good genetic quality adequate numbers of animals within the breeds. is well established and production is high. These countries will import small numbers of animals with superior proven genetic The cost will be high per animal but the numbers of potential. animals imported will be small.
286
FEBRUARY
1983VOL.
19N0.2
THERIQGENQLBGY
Repopulation There are times when countries must repopulate their national herds. As high as 80% of some species of livestock were lost because of lack of feed and the use of breeding stock for human consumption during and after World War II in many of the European countries. Disease, such as African swine fever in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, has resulted in depopulation of national swine herds. Repopulation in the Dominican Republic has commenced and is still in the process. Repopulation in Rsiti will begin upon completion of their depopulation, Fanciers and Hobbyists Fanciers and hobbyists will import animals, perhaps just to have They a different breed., with no regard to efficiency of production. may also import because of certain peculiarities such as color, size, or msnnerisms. INFLUENCING
FACTORS
There are several factors involved in the international transfer of genetic materfal. They are: market development (established and new markets), financing, animal health requirements, transportation problems, and servfcing the customer, Market Development Markets already developed are usually those with established These markets are looking for superior genetic populations. Often times, because of material in order to increase production. This the increase in production, livestock numbers are reduced. is especially true in the daisy industry. Today undeveloped markets are those that have not introduced new genetic material. Livestock production and herd improvements have not been undertaken. Although there may be large numbers of animals in the national herds, the base of genetic material is very limited because of the lack of introduction of new genetic material. Therefore, new genetics should have a tremendous impact upon production. For both developed and undeveloped markets, it is desirable to not only provide the genetic material but to also furnish other innovations to increase production. This can consist of management
FEBRUARY
1983 VOL. 19 NO. 2
287
THERIQGENOLOGY
practices,better equipment, nutrition, herd health, breeding programs, and new technology. Financing One should know the various sources of financing available. Through consultation one can determine which source and method is It is best suited for the exportation that is being undertaken. important to make sure all financial matters are arranged and firm before any expenses are incurred. Animal Health Requirements One should determine what the health requirements are before final commitments are made. Reasons for this determination are to assure that they are reasonable and can be met; and it is important It is important in setting up a for'determining price structure. health test schedule that enough time is ailowed to complete the testing required so that shipments can be made without delays. Another important reason for knowing the health requirements, especially for embryos, concerns the donor sire. The health status of the donor sire should be established on If the sire has incomplete testing the date the semen was collected. data on that date, then his semen cannot be certified by the attending veterinarian where the semen was collected. The health status should be determined prior to the collection or use of the semen. Veterinary Services of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is available to help in properly certifying the health status of animals, semen, and embryos. Problems in Transportation Transportation is probably one of the greatest expenses in the movement of animals internationally, especially the live animal. For semen and embryos, it is much less and is one the advantages To help in reducing for this method of transferring genetic material. cost, one should make sure ample time is allowed to complete the testing and health certification. It is important to qualify enough animals for a full shipment with allowances for some rejections because of failure to pass final inspection or inability to properly indentify individuals at the port of embarkation. One should contract transportation with reputable carriers Failure in ventilation equipment is probably with good equipment. This one of the greatest hazards in the shipment of livestock. is especially true for swine.
288
FEBRUARY
1983 VOL. 19 NO. 2
THERIOGENOEOCY
men shipping fresh embryos where tine is critical as many flight schedules as possible should be scheduled in order that alternative flights may be used in case flights are delayed or canceled. Also, the equipment necessary to do embryo transfers should be staged so that it arrives before the embryos. One should have all of the necessary permits, customs documents, and health certificates available so that embryos and the equipment are not delayed upon arrival in the destination country. Servicing the Customer Once a customer or market has been established it is important to maintain sales. The best way to accomplish this is- to maintain This is done by providing animals,'semen, and embryos credibility. that meet the specifications of the contract. Any deviations In the past, from the contract will lead to loss of credibility. markets have been lost because specifications (health specifications, quality of genetics, and type conformation) have not been met. Providing education and information on herd management, nutrition, breeding programs, new technology, and health programs Considerations of cultural, are ways of servicing the customer, and disease conditions existing in the country of env3ponmenta1, destination should be considered in determing what program would' be best suited to implement the above programs. U.S. EXPORT OF ANIMALS, SEMEN, AND EMBRYOS The export of all species of livestock from the United States for fiscal year 1982 (October 1, 1981 to September 30, 1982) was to 64 different countries. The following tables show the number of livestock by species- exported from the United States for fiscal years 1981 and 1982: .Year Ending September 30, 1981 Liivestock exported
Canada
Mexico
Overseas
Cattle Horses Sheep/Goats Swine
23,939 62,497 25,052
14,505 457 85,906 2,983
14,535 3,913 1,672 12,015
52,979 66,867 112,630 \15,497
103,851
32,135
247,973
49.9
Total Animals
FEBRUARY
111,987
1983 VOL. 19 NO. 2
Total
289
Year Ending September 30, 1982 Livestock expo_rted
Canada ___-
Mexico
Cattle Horses Sheep/Goats Swine
85,540 58,527 48,600 2,402 195,069
Total Animals
Overseas
Total ,-------
69,825 21,681 322,040 35,399
14,960 2,379 1,170 14,925
170,325 82,587 371,810 52.726 -_-L-
448,945
33,434
677,448
The leading countries that imported livestock from the United States in fiscal year 1982 are as SolloXs: Cattle - Korea, Saud3 Arabia, Venezuela, Japan, Trfnidad, Nigeria, Colombia, Philippines, Ecuador, Canada, and Mexico. Swine - Dominican Republic, Japan, Venezuela, Taiwan, Singapore, PhfPippines, Maiaysia, Taiwan, Ecuador, Canada, and Mexico. Horses - England, Prance, Japan, Colombia, Ttal;r, Ireland, Wexc?rrico, and Canada. Sheep and Goats - Canada, Nexico, Philippines. The exportation of semen in calendar year 1981 twtaZ.ed 2,4.08,030doses; and, in the first three quarters of 1982, exportations totalled 1,987,587 and are up about 30% over 1981 for the comparable time period, The number of embryos exported in ffscal year 1982 were 533 bovine embryos and 160 porcSne embryos. This is the first year that statistics have been recorded for embryos. PUTURE PROJECTTOXS The future for the exchange of genetic material internationally will still consist of the live animal, semen, and embryos. It appears that as technology improves embryo transfers will be increased and will become an important means of genetic transfer. The advantages of embryo transport are: 1. Reduced costs of transportation, 2. Embryos are free from external and gastrs'intestinal parasites.
290
THERIOCENOLOGY 3. Embryos are free from hemoparasites. 4. Animals born by native recipient dams get colostral antibody protectTon to organisms that are in the dam's envfronment. Research is needed to determine what diseases are or are not W-ith this knowledge, health transmitted by embryo,transfer. requirements may become less strfngent and allow for transfer of genetic material internati-onally that prev?ously had not been permitted.
FEBRUARY
1983 VOL. 19 NO. 2
291