asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if his Department is considering the advisability of experimenting on the deep freezing of semen for the artificial insemination of cattle; and whether his veterinary officers have advised that this system may prove more successful for the breeding of better dairy cows, as the semen of proven bulls could be preserved for a very long period by this method.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deep Freezing of Semen.
Mr. Walsh
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
As regards the second part of the question, successful development of the technique referred to would undoubtedly make possible more extensive use of proven bulls and thereby be a valuable contribution to improving breeding standards generally.
Would the Minister state what steps have been taken to have a refrigerating plant established in this country that would meet the requirements for beef freezing?
Mr. Walsh
I think that is a separate question.