Beef on dairy and sexed semen strategies

Abstract

The use of sexed dairy semen and beef semen on dairies as tools to generate genetic progress and expand revenue has evolved tremendously over the past decade to the point these tools have become integrated as part of a finely managed pro­cess often referred to as the “sexed and beef” model. Continued improvements in gender-sorting techniques and increased fer­tility of resulting products have enabled this model to evolve to become standard operating procedure for the bulk of com­mercial dairies. Planned use of gender-sorted semen allows for controlled and targeted creation of an ideal number of heifers from a specific genetic source. Reproductive programs that improve fertility of these matings in conjunction with gender sorted product that leads to high dairy heifer ratios leads to the opportunity to utilize beef semen to expand revenue potential of crossbred beef x dairy calves above that of a dairy counter­part. This talk will cover programmatic considerations to drive success of “sexed and beef” programs on dairies utilizing these tools to a) accurately calculate and plan to create heifer needs; b) optimize genetic progress and revenue generation; and c) en­large the value of beef x dairy crossbred sire selection..