Memory of the Company Founder
Born near Neu-Ulm, Germany, the son of a physician, Ludwig Simmet's innate love and respect for animals was nurtured from childhood by his parents. Driven by his close relationship with animals and his fondness for country living, Dr. Ludwig Simmet studied at the Veterinary School of the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich (LMU), where he received his doctorate degree in veterinary medicine in 1953. Dr. Simmet was one of the first veterinarians to officially qualify as a “Specialist in veterinary reproductive medicine” under Prof. Baier at the LMU in Munich. This time laid the foundation for Dr. Simmet to become an influential leader and pioneer in the development of the artificial insemination industry.
For the next 11 years, Dr. Simmet worked as a practicing veterinarian. During this time, he provided veterinary consultation and managed an AI center in Pocking, Germany. In 1964, Dr. Simmet sold his veterinary practice and accepted a full-time position with the Niederbayerische Besamungsgenossenschaft Landshut-Pocking eG (NBG) to manage all production and veterinary related aspects of this AI organization.
Dr. Simmet traveled to Sweden in 1960 to study how AI was being used in that country and was introduced to the AI techniques then being used in swine. He wrote that he was, “…immediately convinced that AI in pigs could offer tremendous and immediate benefits to farmers in Germany.” That same year, he and his wife, Irmingard, returned to Sweden to learn all they could about AI in swine. Thanks to the foresight of the management at the NBG AI center and Dr. Simmet’s enthusiasm, they were able to establish one of the first boar studs in the world.
During the next decade, Dr. Simmet, with the full support of his wife and the management of the NBG, designed and developed the patented Minitüb system for the cryopreservation of bull semen in specially designed Minitüb straws. This innovation included the world’s first fully automated packaging of bull semen and the routine use of 0.3 ml straws. The year 1970 was a milestone and a new chapter for the Simmet family when they founded the Minitüb company in Germany to research and develop products and technologies to advance the use of AI in livestock.
The rich legacy of Dr. Ludwig and Irmingard Simmet continues to flourish as their sons, Florian, Christian and Rudolf and their families build on the foundation laid by their parents. Today, the family of Minitube companies provides direct support to their customers worldwide. Dr. Simmet's work, principles and accomplishments have been instrumental in the development of artificial reproduction technologies for many species. His legacy will be carried into the future by the dedicated employees of all the Minitube companies around the world as they continue to advance animal reproduction with new and improved technologies.
For the next 11 years, Dr. Simmet worked as a practicing veterinarian. During this time, he provided veterinary consultation and managed an AI center in Pocking, Germany. In 1964, Dr. Simmet sold his veterinary practice and accepted a full-time position with the Niederbayerische Besamungsgenossenschaft Landshut-Pocking eG (NBG) to manage all production and veterinary related aspects of this AI organization.
Dr. Simmet traveled to Sweden in 1960 to study how AI was being used in that country and was introduced to the AI techniques then being used in swine. He wrote that he was, “…immediately convinced that AI in pigs could offer tremendous and immediate benefits to farmers in Germany.” That same year, he and his wife, Irmingard, returned to Sweden to learn all they could about AI in swine. Thanks to the foresight of the management at the NBG AI center and Dr. Simmet’s enthusiasm, they were able to establish one of the first boar studs in the world.
During the next decade, Dr. Simmet, with the full support of his wife and the management of the NBG, designed and developed the patented Minitüb system for the cryopreservation of bull semen in specially designed Minitüb straws. This innovation included the world’s first fully automated packaging of bull semen and the routine use of 0.3 ml straws. The year 1970 was a milestone and a new chapter for the Simmet family when they founded the Minitüb company in Germany to research and develop products and technologies to advance the use of AI in livestock.
The rich legacy of Dr. Ludwig and Irmingard Simmet continues to flourish as their sons, Florian, Christian and Rudolf and their families build on the foundation laid by their parents. Today, the family of Minitube companies provides direct support to their customers worldwide. Dr. Simmet's work, principles and accomplishments have been instrumental in the development of artificial reproduction technologies for many species. His legacy will be carried into the future by the dedicated employees of all the Minitube companies around the world as they continue to advance animal reproduction with new and improved technologies.
