British Simmental Review 2023

BRITISH SIMMENTAL GENETICS,
MEETING HUGE CHINESE
MARKETPLACE DEMAND
Chinese demand for British Simmental
genetics has grown exponentially to
the extent that over 0.5 million doses of
semen are annually being exported by
the UK’s leading breeding companies.
An ever expanding line up of bulls at
stud strongly reflects their confidence
that this trend will continue well into
the foreseeable future in a marketplace
for an annual 20 million doses.*
long-term future looks exceptionally positive for
British Simmental in China – currently the world’s third
“The
largest beef producer and also, the world’s largest beef
importer seeking to achieve greater self-sufficiency and security at
a time when its domestic demand for protein continues to increase,”
explains British Simmental Cattle Society’s general manager, Iain
Kerr.
“The Chinese beef population stands at between 45 and 50 million
breeding females with 48 million head annual kill producing 7.35m
tonnes; total beef consumption amounts to 10.80m tonnes with a
current 4.21% annual growth rate leaving a substantial deficit met by
imports.
“Private individuals are investing in the sector, however 90%
continues to be managed in a peasant economy in relatively small
backyard herds averaging 10 cows. During the last two decades there
has been a significant influx of European genetics to modernise their
indigenous cows, with a build up of Simmental influence – the most
popular beef breed accounting for 80% of the population. Demand
has been driven by purity of phenotype – white head, socks and
under belly and broken red, brown coats, however in the last few
years with farmers having started to witness improved liveweight
performance, there’s been a focus on British Simmental genetics.”
AI is amongst the new technologies being introduced to the sector
which are having an impact on Chinese producers’ efficiency,
explains ABS Genus regional director Asia, Richard Williams. “AI
accounts for over 30% of services and is facilitated by trained
technicians. We have our own business in China strategically working
through local distribution channels – local farm shops with vets and
technicians whom we train.
“Cattle are traditionally reared and finished on forage and noncomplex
feed, however there is a growing trend towards size and
maximising kilos of liveweight. Consequently, stepping up feed
efficiency is now coming to the fore. That’s where we perceive there
are huge opportunities for British Simmental providing we offer the
right animal – one with growth, as well as the required phenotypic
characteristics.
We’re focused on building a business
in China that helps to achieve
genetic improvement that’s sustainable, and
has value in its marketplace for an annual 20
million doses.”
36 | www.britishsimmental.co.uk