Iran launches exports of superb bovine embryos to Africa, Central Asia
Two export agreements for sending Iranian high-yield cattle embryos to African and Central Asian countries were finalized, said the CEO of a company affiliated with the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR).
Announcing the news, Mohammad Mehdi Naderi added that, "Negotiations with other countries are also underway," IRNA reported.
Naderi pointed to the launch of the country's largest center for producing high-yield cattle embryos via the IVF (in vitro fertilization) method, stating, "The production capacity of this new unit is 10,000 embryos per year, and for the first time in Iran, the export of superior cattle embryos to various countries has commenced."
"This center is equipped using cutting-edge global technologies and in accordance with the latest international standards," he added.
20-fold rise in calf production
Naderi elaborated on the advantages of IVF technology for breeding high-yield cattle, saying, "Under normal circumstances, only one calf per year can be obtained from each elite cow. However, using this technology enables the production of up to 20 calves from a single elite cow per year."
“We perform weekly egg collection from outstanding domestic cows as well as top imported breeds from Germany, Denmark, Italy, and France,” he continued.
“These eggs are fertilized in the laboratory and develop into embryos within seven days. The seven-day-old embryos are frozen and then implanted into the uteruses of ordinary cows, thus enabling the propagation of superior genetics within the country's livestock herds."
The company's CEO pointed to the interest from various countries in the advanced technology, stating, "At international exhibitions, including Iran Expo, we have received requests from neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Côte d'Ivoire. Companies from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have also expressed readiness to purchase elite Iranian embryos."
"Currently, two export agreements with African and Central Asian countries have reached the implementation stage, and negotiations with other countries continue. Despite some interruptions due to regional war conditions, we are pursuing export development and initiating limited-capacity joint collaborations," Naderi said.
Three-year plan for livestock industry
Naderi addressed the country's need to develop modern technologies in the livestock industry, stating, "A three-year program has been formulated to transform livestock farms and enhance superior genetics within the country's herds.”
Emphasizing the importance of governmental and banking support, he said, "Livestock farmers, due to a shortage of working capital, require low-cost facilities and financial support. In this regard, negotiations have been held with Bank Keshavarzi of Iran and the Fund for Supporting the Development of the Livestock Industry, and memoranda of understanding have been signed."
The official also discussed the role of IVF technology in increasing productivity and developing dual-purpose breeds, saying, "These breeds, in addition to producing quality milk, have a high capacity for meat production, and developing these breeds is part of the country's upstream programs. With the necessary support, self-sufficiency in meat production and reduced dependence on imports can be achieved in a short period."