One of the most common questions we’re asked is ‘what’s the benefit of storing or ‘banking’ genetics?’
Storing reproductive material (primarily frozen semen or embryos) provides you with a form of insurance should you be impacted by natural disasters. Natural disasters alone have cost the Australian livestock industry in excess of AUD $4 billion since 2019 due to widespread fires and floods. That cost continues to rise with the recent floods in Qld (2025).
Banking genetics enables a rapid and cost-effective way to recover post disaster. It also safeguards breeders in the event their prized sire is injured or unexpectedly passes.
Frozen straws/embryos/doses also provide monetary opportunities by selling genetic material to other breeders. The quickest way to realise genetic gain in any breed strategy is through assisted reproductive practices, regardless of species.
Additionally, the use of frozen semen removes the need for landholders to own and manage sires (bulls/stallions/rams/bucks/dogs etc). This is particularly true when landholders are space limited. Furthermore, the use of assisted reproductive practices such as artificial insemination (AI) eliminates the need to lease a sire, removing biosecurity considerations and concerns of that sire injuring itself under a lease-agreement.
Freezing reproductive material can also preserve the genetic fitness of a breed/species, mitigating the risk of deleterious effects through inbreeding depressions.
Banking genetics is not just a smart economic choice but a growing necessity in a world experiencing increased natural disasters, isolated populations and vulnerable species.
Contact us today to learn more.
