TOR for assessing Global Bovine Semen Trade Scenario and Possibility of Exporting Semen from Nepal to other Countries

Terms of Reference for assessing

Global Bovine Semen Trade Scenario and Possibility of Exporting Semen from Nepal to other Countries

1. Background

Frozen semen and artificial insemination have been the major tools for enhancing the genetic improvement of domesticated livestock species throughout the world. With semen freezing technologies, it has been possible to use bulls of high genetic merit in one corner of the world to the cows in another corner.  

The trade of frozen semen from the dairy developed countries to other countries is a common practice. Countries with strong bovine genetic improvement programs are in a position to share a major portion of the semen traded throughout the world. Nepal has imported bovine semen as well as ovine semen from various countries in various dates in varying doses. The USA, Japan, New Zealand, Denmark, and India are the major countries from which Nepal imported frozen semen. Apart from normal frozen semen, Nepal has also imported sex sorted semen and embryos.

Nepal has the potential to become a bovine semen exporting country in the future. The current laboratory capacity, infrastructure, technology, and production levels within the National Livestock Breeding Offices (NLBOs) provide a strong foundation for further development. The facilities at the NLBOs have been gradually upgraded through initiatives such as the Nepal Livestock Sector Innovation Project, which has contributed to strengthening semen production systems and technical capacity. In addition, several ongoing projects under Milky Way program in Nepal are currently supporting the enhancement of the NLBOs’ technical and institutional capacity for national bovine genetic improvement. With continued investment in infrastructure, advanced technologies, and genetic improvement programs, Nepal could progressively position itself as bovine semen exporter in the future.

In this context, Heifer Nepal, in coordination with Department of Livestock Services, is planning to assess the possibilities of exporting frozen semen in other countries and seek a proposal from competent consultant to carry out the assignment.

2. Objective of the assignment

Explore possibilities of exporting frozen bovine semen from Nepal to other countries

3. Scope of Work

The consultant shall perform tasks including, but not limited to the following in close coordination with the national consultant assigned for the same purpose

1. Coordinate with International consultant deployed for the same purpose to carry out the study
2. Identify national stakeholders (government, private sector, semi-government etc.) involved in the bovine semen production and trade
3. Document regulatory compliance that can be met at present (technical, policy, sanitary and phytosanitary, veterinary health certificate and quarantine, trade regulation and tariffs etc) 
4. Identify major trade barriers for frozen semen export potential importing countries and recommend remedial measures
5. Develop a pricing strategy considering current local market price, tariffs and transportation cost 
6. Assess the business viability and sustainability (technically and financially) of semen export from Nepal.
7. Conduct due diligence of NLBO's laboratory and recommend areas of improvement required in close coordination with the national consultant
8. Develop a proposal for the accreditation of NLBOs' laboratories
9. Undertake any other assignment as directed provided it is pertinent to this study and  doesn't change the scope of the study

4. Qualifications:

• The consultant should have a minimum master's degree, preferably PhD degree from recognized university in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Business Administration, Economics, International Trade or any other relevant fields.
• Should have relevant work experience of at least 10 years in evaluation and scoping of study

5. Specific Requirements:

• Should have knowledge of international trade of genetic materials
• Should have deep knowledge of international animal health standards for bovine semen particularly those set by the World Animal Health Organization
• Experience working with International organizations and government projects and in the area of trade information will be an added advantage
• Demonstrated ability to  manage logistics and field operations
• Excellent skills in analysis, report writing  and presentation

6. Deliverables:

• Inception report incorporating detail study methodologies and activity timeline
• Final comprehensive and analytical report with clear recommendations for the possible export of frozen semen from Nepal to other countries

7. Timeline: 

• The study should be completed within 3 months from signing the contract

8. Submission Guidelines

Application will be accepted from the individual consultant only. 

Application, CV, PAN, technical proposals and financial proposal with detail breakdown must be submitted by the email by 17th March 2026, 5:00 PM to Procurement-NP@heifer.org  with the subject line: “Application for Global Bovine Semen Trade Scenario.”

HPN will only contact the shortlisted applicants. Verbal and telephone calls will not be entertained.

Note: VAT registered vendors are encouraged to apply.

Heifer Project Nepal reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal.