Liberalization of animal genetic resources trade and local animal productivity outcomes: A natural experiment

Abstract

We assess the effects of trade liberalization in animal genetic resources on farm-level productivity using a natural experiment on the Island of Jersey. For over 200 years, Jersey banned the import of bovine animals and semen to preserve breed purity. In 2008, the ban was lifted, allowing the import of Jersey-certified sires and semen. Over the next 15 years, increased genetic access improved animal productivity, health, and genotype but slightly reduced reproductive performance.