The Cattle Artificial Insemination Industry in Malaysia

Artifi cial insemination (AI) technology is the most effective tool for genetic improvement in cattle. The AI service began in the 1960’s and the number of annual cattle AI’s has been steadily increasing up to 1990, after which it gradually dropped for about a decade. Since 2001 however there has been a modest recovery in the number of AI cases. In 2009 AI coverage stood at 4.2%. To rapidly improve the genetic composition of the cattle population in Malaysia, AI coverage needs to be increased to at least 10%. With AI costing up to RM85 per service, it will cost RM5.95 million annually to have a 10% AI coverage. This would annually input some 30,000 – 35,000 high quality animals into the cattle industry, a suffi cient number to impact the industry. Full-time AI technicians and DIY inseminators need to be increased. Programmed training will also help improve service delivery. Private sector companies should be given incentives to provide AI services. Locally produced bovine frozen semen should be rebranded and better marketed so that the uptake by farmers will be increased, reducing the dependence on imported semen. The role of the NIVB in leading the development of cattle breeding in the country needs to be strengthened. Strategic international partnerships with world class centers of excellence should be pursued. With these interventions, the cattle industry will be able to improve product quality and cater not only for the local farming community but also the export market for tropical cattle genetics.