Livestock Improvement Regulations, 2021 (Statutory Instrument No. 39 of 2021).

There Regulations govern the importation, exportation, use, and control of animal genetic material (AAGM) for breeding, research, and educational purposes. It begins with definitions and establishes the legal basis for interpretation and application, identifying a competent authority and allowing for the designation of additional bodies to oversee compliance and enforcement. The framework outlines procedures for approving individuals and institutions such as livestock breeders’ societies, laboratories, artificial insemination centres, and embryo collection teams. It establishes performance and genetic evaluation protocols, setting expectations for the registration and conduct of animal scientists and technical staff. It details strict conditions for the import and export of breeding animals, semen, ova, and embryos, including importers’ responsibilities, compliance with established standards, and transportation protocols. Specific guidelines are provided for the movement of poultry and hatching eggs, reflecting biosecurity and animal welfare concerns. Registration requirements are prescribed for various actors in the sector, including inseminators, semen collectors, embryo transferors, breeders' societies, and agents involved in the trade of AAGM. It also requires the maintenance of centralised registers and mandates regular renewals of approvals and registrations. Further, it provides a structure for appeals, stipulates duties for authorised officers, and sets out offences and penalties for non-compliance.