China has resumed imports of bull semen from international suppliers, introducing a strict quality requirement that limits imports to semen from bulls ranked among the top 10% in their country of origin. The move aims to improve cattle genetics, increase dairy productivity and strengthen domestic beef production.
The resumption follows years of trade restrictions between 2019 and 2025 that disrupted supplies from major cattle genetics markets, including Australia, Canada, the United States and Europe. Australia and Canada have restarted shipments, while the United States and Britain could gain approval in the future.
Focus on High-Quality Cattle Genetics
China is seeking to improve cattle productivity through advanced breeding technologies and access to superior genetics.
Imported bull semen can help produce animals with higher milk yields, faster growth rates, improved meat quality and better feed efficiency. These traits are increasingly important as China seeks to improve domestic production and reduce its reliance on imported agricultural products.
According to the report, Chinese beef cattle carcasses weigh around 150 kg, compared with nearly 400 kg in the United States. China's dairy cows also produce less milk than their US counterparts, highlighting the potential for genetic improvement.
Strict Screening for Imported Semen
China has introduced rigorous screening procedures for imported bull semen. Each shipment undergoes an expert review process that can take more than four months, with some consignments receiving only partial approval.
By the end of August 2026, China had received 92,573 straws of bull semen from Australia and Canada combined, valued at approximately US$700,000.
This remains significantly below the roughly 10 million straws imported annually before trade restrictions disrupted the market. However, suppliers anticipate increased demand as Chinese dairy and livestock producers seek access to advanced genetics.
Australian genetics company ABS Global expects to ship approximately 200,000 straws to China over the coming year, covering Wagyu, Angus, Holstein and Jersey breeds.
Dairy Sector Seeks Higher Productivity
For China's dairy industry, improved genetics offer opportunities to increase milk production, improve feed efficiency and strengthen farm-level productivity.
The country has also identified self-sufficiency in animal genetics as a strategic priority and invested in domestic breeding centres. However, industry participants say local genetics still lag behind the most advanced international breeding programmes.
China's long-term ambition is to develop globally competitive cattle genetics and eventually transition from an importer to an exporter.
Implications for the Global Dairy Industry
China's return to the international bull semen market could create new opportunities for cattle genetics companies, breeding organisations and livestock technology providers.
The renewed demand also highlights the growing importance of genetic selection in improving milk yields, feed conversion efficiency and the long-term competitiveness of dairy farms.
However, strict eligibility requirements and lengthy approval procedures mean that suppliers will need to meet demanding standards before accessing this market.
Source: Read full story here 28 Oct, 2026 Edited and Reported by
#DairyNews7x7 #DairyIndustry #CattleGenetics #DairyFarming #AnimalBreeding #DairyProductivity #LivestockManagement #GeneticImprovement #MilkProduction #ChinaDairy
Never miss an important dairy update
Follow DairyNews7x7 on Google to get live milk prices, policy alerts, and daily headlines directly in your feed.
