Key facts
- China has resumed importing bull semen after a near halt in its cattle genetics trade.
- Imports are now limited to semen from the best 10% of bulls in the producing country.
- China aims to upgrade its cattle herds to increase beef output and dairy profitability.
- Beef cattle carcasses in China weigh around 150 kg, compared to nearly 400 kg in the US.
- Chinese dairy cows produce less milk than the US herd.
- Imports of beef and dairy products into China have reached $25 billion to $30 billion annually.
China has resumed importing high-quality bull semen from Australia and Canada, aiming to upgrade its cattle herds and boost beef and dairy production. The strict new standard limits imports to semen from the top 10% of bulls in exporting countries, reflecting China's recognition of the genetic gap with Western breeds. This comes after a near halt in its cattle genetics trade that rattled local suppliers and spurred a market for smuggled sperm and livestock. The US and Britain may soon be approved for exports as well. China's goal is to develop world-leading genetics and become an exporter itself.