In September 2024, Greyhounds Australasia (GA), in partnership with state and territory regulators, announced that the use of Surgical Artificial Insemination (SAI) in registered greyhounds will cease from 1 January 2026. This aligns with updated veterinary standards and the Australian Veterinary Association’s (AVA) revised policy, which recommends the discontinuation of SAI across all canine breeds.
A national transition period is currently underway to ensure veterinary professionals, breeders, and stud masters are supported in making this change.
GA continues to collect and review greyhound-specific reproductive data to inform best practice guidelines and is working closely with veterinary experts, including the AVA and the Animal Reproduction Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS). In addition, GA is engaged with the AVA’s Greyhound and Working Dog Special Interest Group (SIG), which is developing national TCI guidelines with input from leading reproductive specialists.
Importantly, GA does not intend to introduce any regulation that would affect existing frozen semen (FS) storage or usage. Current conception data supports consistent fertility outcomes for TCI using frozen greyhound semen, providing further reassurance to the greyhound industry. In a USA greyhound study (Pretzer, et al., 2006) published the results of TCI services performed using FS (concentrations of 100-150 million progressively motile sperm – GA Rule consistent) achieving a whelping rate of 89.4% with an average of 6.9 pups per litter. Current GA breeding data analysis indicates that TCI frozen semen inseminations are achieving an overall conception rate of 76%, with several Veterinarians posting above average conception rates, however this is a discreet sample size. It is envisaged that with increased uptake of TCI, conception rates like or greater than those in the US study can be achieved.
Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) has elected to move ahead of the national timeline, with a ban on SAI in that jurisdiction effective from 1 July 2025. This includes SA-based females bred interstate. The decision supports Recommendation 47 of the Ashton Report (2023) and followed extensive consultation. GRSA has introduced a $1,200 subsidy for all TCI procedures, regardless of outcome, and is actively supporting access to local veterinary providers already equipped for TCI.
To further assist veterinary professionals, a national TCI forum is scheduled, featuring expert speakers and opportunities for knowledge sharing amongst TCI practitioners. GA will also engage directly with breeders and stud masters following the forum to ensure all stakeholders are informed and supported throughout the transition.