Semen Purchasing & Marketing Etiquette

One of the most popular first moves for new Wagyu & Akaushi breeders is to gather up a wide portfolio of semen. They are typically very anxious and emotional to acquire genetics and thus become vulnerable to the typical FOMO and fictional marketing tactics. A premium is usually paid for semen from bulls born 20-30 years ago that we consider on par or below breed average for marbling, maternal ability, growth rate, temperament, etc. Typically, new breeders gather the antique semen in various consignment auctions and Facebook group pages.

If there is a quality issue with second, third, fourth+ hand semen, do you think the seller is going to warranty or stand behind the semen? I’ve seen the ugly side of these situations, and all involved get burdened.

If a consignor (seller) of semen is neither the breeder nor co-owner of the bull but rather someone trading it on…then this could become a flea market situation quickly. I encourage breeders to (1) not gather up old semen and (2) buy frozen genetics from the breeder/owners of donor animals.

Don't get me wrong, I applaud all consignors offering any semen for charity & nonprofit organization fundraisers. And also appreciate/understand when semen is offered on very rare sires and/or is unavailable from the original source. This is needed and appreciated.

Call me old school…but I believe the breeder(s) and/or current owner(s) of a certain bull (or his semen interest) should be the primary semen marketers of said bull.

Here is where it gets tough. The sale promoters, sale managers and marketers have financial incentives (commissions and fees) to include any and all of these 2nd & 3rd hand marketings into auctions.