Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Written Answers. - Bovine Artificial Insemination.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

160 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the percentage breakdown of cattle breeds used for artificial insemination in Ireland for each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7322/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The percentage breakdown of cattle breeds used for artificial insemination for each of the last three years is set out in the following table. As the figures indicate, the Friesian breed represents the largest usage in A.I. In 1995, the Friesian breed represented 45.8 per cent of the total usage with continental breeds (including Charolais, Simmental, Limousin and Belgian Blue) representing 33.8 per cent. Traditional breeds of Hereford and Angus accounted for 18.5 per cent.

Artificial insemination figures are compiled from data supplied by the individual licensed artificial insemination organisations. The figures do not include do-it-yourself (DIY) artificial insemination, the practice of which has increased significantly in recent years.

Inseminations by Breeds for Years 1993, 1994, 1995

Year	Shorthorn	Friesian	Hereford	Angus	Charolais	Simmental	Limousin	Bel. Blue	Others	Total
1993	7,947	424,658	82,797	93,082	154,796	72,645	107,237	39,864	11,895	994,921
%	0.8%	42.7%	8.3%	9.4%	15.6%	7.3%	10.8%	4.0%	1.2%
1994	8,053	463,861	75,694	93,498	136,245	56,464	92,226	44,357	10,640	981,038
%	0.8%	47.3%	7.7%	9.5%	13.9%	5.8%	9.4%	4.5%	1.1%
1995	9,027	442,772	77,836	100,794	134,547	52,486	91,815	48,072	10,057	967,406
%	0.9%	45.8%	8.1%	10.4%	13.9%	5.4%	9.5%	5.0%	1.0%