Animal breeding techniques

In the Netherlands, when using breeding techniques on animals, you must observe the rules in the Animal Breeding Techniques Decree (Besluit voortplantingstechnieken bij dieren). Animal egg cells and embryos may only be removed and introduced if that is part of your profession. Only sperm collection centres may collect sperm. For pig and cattle sperm, sperm collection centres must be certified by the Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EL&I). Breeding techniques may not cause the animal unnecessary pain, injury, stress or any other distress.

You can ask for dispensation from these regulations from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. Such dispensations are only granted very rarely and provided your activities will not endanger the health or welfare of the animals.

Online application procedure via Message Box

You can apply for a certification of you sperm collection centre also online via Message Box.