International symposium on Genetics and Reproductive Management for Animal Production

　　Good morning. It is indeed my great honor and pleasure to address at this important gathering. First, on behalf of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Republic of China, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you to the “International Symposium on Genetics and Reproductive Management for Animal Production”. My appreciation also goes to the cosponsor of APAARI for their supports and to recognize the efforts of the Livestock Research Institute for organizing this symposium.

　　The gross production value of Taiwan animal industry to the primary sector of agriculture was 33% and value was 4.8 billion USD in 2010. Breed selection and reproductive technology are keys for the improvement of production efficiency in livestock and poultry farming in Taiwan. Hence, the symposium primarily aims at strengthen the genetics and reproductive technologies capacity of countries within the Asian-Pacific region and envision paving the way for the enhancement of their respective livestock and poultry industry. The symposium will consist of lectures, including genetics and reproductive managements of farm animals, quarantine of livestock and poultry in Southeast Asian Countries, sperm sexing technology, preservation of livestock germ cells, farm animal for biomedical research, and major forage cultivars in Taiwan, as well as a field trip.

　　Symposium such as this one is important in highlighting ways in which we can work together locally and internationally on genetics and reproductive management for animal production. As is known to all, there are excellent breeding stock industries along with elite farm animals in Taiwan. We also hope that Taiwan can be acted as a breeding stock providing center for livestock farming in Asian-Pacific countries.

　　Your active supports and participation to ensure the success of the symposium are highly appreciated. The establishment of cooperation and partnership in the development of livestock industry among Asian-Pacific countries is also expected. In the long term, the symposium may benefit the international competitiveness of the Asian-Pacific countries’ animal industry sectors.