The deal will give Cogent, which supplies beef and dairy genetics to more than 40 countries, unrivalled access to AI Total’s impressive stock of genetically-modified cows and bulls. It is set to come into effect on 1 February 2016.
AI Total was founded in 2010 and is one of the youngest genetics companies in the livestock industry. The company, based in the Netherlands, works in partnership with breeders around the world and provides them with genetics from the best Holstein cows to improve profits and herd efficiency.
With AI Total’s leading sires joining Cogent’s ranks, customers have an even wider choice, from a product range which now includes elite young bulls like DG Charley, Queenboy and Blooper.
'Fantastic news'
Speaking about the agreement with AI Total, James Hallett, Cogent’s general manager for the UK, said: “Our agreement with AI Total is fantastic news for our UK customers. It significantly expands our portfolio and is an excellent fit with Cogent’s own exceptional bulls and with our expanding portfolio of international genetics including new breed-leading bloodlines from our stud in Canada.
”Cogent is committed to improving livestock genetics, reproduction and selection globally through greater resource efficiency and the application of science, best practice and precision technologies. The agreement represents the latest landmark in our growth programme, which underpins this commitment and Cogent’s ambition to become world leader in the improvement of beef and dairy genetics.”
The worth of Cogent and AI Total’s exclusive contract has not been revealed and, when pressed on the matter, Hallett said he was “not able to discuss [the cost of] this”.
Benefits
He was, however, keen to stress why the deal would help herd efficiency and deliver bottom-line benefits to farmers in the UK, saying: “Cogent’s genomic bull offering will be enhanced by some of the highest product available for improving production traits in dairy cattle.
“The pace of change is accelerating and this provides exciting opportunities for UK dairy farmers.”
AI Total was not available for comment.