Dairy Genetics

How One Dairy is Using Embryos to Replace Jerseys With Holsteins

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:32:42 GMT

As milk markets evolve, some dairies are starting to pull back on Jerseys, driven by a combination of shifting milk pricing, weaker replacement demand and changing revenue opportunities beyond the bulk tank.

For some, that shift has meant leaning into crossbreeding to capture flexibility and hybrid vigor. For others, it has meant doubling down on Holsteins to produce more milk volume, capture stronger beef-on-dairy premiums and improve cull value. That has been the case for Triple G Dairy and LegenDairy in Arizona, where a closer look at whole-herd economics, not just components, has prompted a gradual move away from Jerseys and toward a more Holstein-focused system.

When Fairlife expanded into the state six years ago, it reshaped breeding priorities for several dairies. For Triple G Dairy and its sister operation, LegenDairy, the focus on higher components triggered a transition away from Jerseys and toward Holsteins.

(Skylar Gericke)

“When Fairlife came in, they said that they had their bottom line on components, and we needed to be above that number on protein and fat,” says Skylar Gericke, part-owner at LegenDairy. “We originally did not meet their threshold for components, but we are now well over past component tests from when we milked a mixed herd”.

At the time, the fastest way to raise components was to bring Jerseys into the system. Since then, genetics, nutrition and management improvements have helped the Holsteins catch up.

“When we built LegenDairy, we moved all the Jerseys to that location and focused the Holstein herd at Triple G,” Gericke says. “But now the Holsteins have come up in components. We’re around 3.3 protein and about 3.7 fat now. At this point, we’re really working toward a Holstein herd and phasing the Jerseys out.”

Looking Beyond Components

The decision to move away from Jerseys was not based on components alone. When Gericke evaluated the economics across the entire system, several factors began favoring Holsteins.

“We still ship milk to a fluid market,” Gericke says. “And with the way our Holsteins are milking today, I need to ship more hundredweights in order to spread that fixed cost.”

Additional revenue streams also played a role in the decision.

“The more and more you look into breeding, the Holstein cows are becoming more efficient,” Gericke explains. “And when you factor in beef-on-dairy calves, the beef calves have a $500 to $1,000 premium on them. Even culling those Holstein cows, you get another $300 to $400 per cow. So profitability wise, we’re better off Holstein.”

Replacement market signals reinforced that direction.

“There’s just no good market for Jerseys right now,” he says. “Everybody is either trying to get out or breeding them terminal.”

Read: Crossbreeding Gains Ground as Some Dairies Scale Back Jerseys

(Skylar Gericke)

How Embryos Are Reshaping the Herd

As the farm shifted away from Jerseys, LegenDairy used Holstein semen on Jerseys to create some crossbred animals. The focus was on high genomic Holstein bulls with strong udder and health traits.

“We went back through the bulls we had been using and looked at the calves that had already been genomically tested,” Gericke says. “From there, we picked the top performers based on udder traits and component levels, and those top three bulls were the ones we used on the Jerseys.”

But as Gericke dug deeper into the economics, he concluded that building a herd of more purebred Holsteins made the most sense. Embryo transfer became the main tool driving that change.

“We make our own Holstein embryos through IVF,” Gericke says. “It gives us control over the progress, and I like having that control.”

That approach has helped accelerate the shift toward a more uniform Holstein base by multiplying higher-end genetics and reducing reliance on natural turnover.

(Skylar Gericke)

Genetics Is a Long Game

While reproductive tools like IVF can speed up progress, genetic change still takes time to work through a herd.

“Once you start implementing a breeding strategy, you have to think long term,” says dairy consultant Jason Anderson. “Unless you’re selling your cows and buying a different breed, it can take five to seven years from the time you change the semen in the tank before that new herd is fully in place.”

That delay means breeding strategies must also align with milk markets.

“Having a clear understanding from your processor about what they want from your milk helps define your strategy,” Anderson says. “It’s important to know what they are looking for and how that fits with the breeding decisions you’re making on the farm.”

For Gericke, that long-term mindset is exactly why he has leaned into embryo transfer.

“We can make management changes pretty quickly, but genetics don’t move that fast,” Gericke says. “Embryos help us speed things up, but once you pick a direction, you still have to stick with it and let it play out in the herd.”

The Genetic Pivot: How 2026 Wellness Traits are Redefining Dairy Profitability

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:16:14 GMT

For decades, the perfect cow was defined by a single metric: the bulk tank. If she produced a mountain of milk, she stayed in the herd. But as the dairy industry enters 2026, the definition of success has undergone a radical transformation. Today’s producers are operating in a world where feed costs, heat stress, carbon footprints and supply chain demands are just as critical to the balance sheet as total pounds of milk.

To meet this complexity, genetic selection has evolved from a simple production index into a high-precision roadmap for survival. The recent 2026 updates to Zoetis’ Clarifide Plus and the Dairy Wellness Profit Index (DWP$) represent more than just incremental data points; they represent a strategic shift toward bulletproofing the dairy cow for a more volatile future.

The New Math of the $100 Gain

The core of the 2026 update is an economically weighted index designed to balance income drivers against expense drivers. In the current market, a genetic index must do more than predict output; it must predict the cost of that output.

According to Zoetis data, achieving a $100 increase in the DWP$ 2026 index translates into measurable lifetime profit across five critical pillars:

$61 in quality production — Modernizing the focus on components and volume.
$19 in antibiotic stewardship — Selecting for cows that naturally resist disease, reducing the need for intervention.
$8 in animal welfare — Prioritizing longevity and physical soundness.
$6 in fertility — Ensuring the cow stays on cycle and in the herd.
$6 in precision nutrition — Maximizing the conversion of feed to milk.

“The 2026 updates provide dairy producers with additional precision in breeding for cows that are profitable, efficient and sustainable,” says Nick Randle, senior marketing manager for U.S. dairy productivity and milk quality at Zoetis. The goal is to move away from blanket management and toward more precise animal care informed by predictive insights.

Breeding for a Warming World: Heat Resilience

One of the most significant additions to the 2026 toolkit is the introduction of DWP$ Heat. For decades, producers in the South and West have relied on mechanical cooling — fans, misters and cross-vent barns — to mitigate the devastating effects of the Temperature Humidity Index (THI). However, management alone has its limits.

Zoetis has introduced two new traits to tackle this biologically:

Fertility Heat Resilience (Z_FR) — This trait predicts the change in the probability of a first-service conception rate as THI increases.
Milk Heat Resilience (Z_MR) — This predicts the stability of daily milk production as the heat rises.

By incorporating these traits, producers can breed a herd that maintains its “cool” during the 20% of the year when heat stress typically ravages the bottom line. It’s a recognition that resilience and profitability are now inextricably linked.

The Feed Efficiency Frontier: Z_RFI and RUMiN

Feed remains the single largest expense on any dairy, often accounting for 65% of the total budget. Historically, selecting for feed efficiency was difficult because it was hard to measure on individual cows in a commercial setting.

The inclusion of Zoetis Residual Feed Intake (Z_RFI) changes that. This trait measures the dry matter intake that cannot be accounted for by milk production or body weight. In simpler terms: It identifies the cows that eat less than expected without sacrificing a single pound of milk. In validation analyses, the top 25% of animals ranked by Z_RFI consumed 2.2 lb. less dry matter per day than their peers. Across a 20,000-cow herd, that 2.2-lb. difference represents a staggering shift in the feed bill.

Simultaneously, the RUMiN trait predicts the genetic potential for enteric methane production. While methane was once seen only as an environmental metric, it is increasingly becoming a market-access requirement.

The Supply Chain Connection: The Danone Factor

The revolution in genetics is not just happening on the farm; it’s being driven by the processor. In 2024, Zoetis and Danone formed a strategic partnership to advance sustainable production. For a global giant like Danone, which has committed to cutting methane emissions by 30% by 2030, the genetic makeup of their suppliers’ herds is a critical lever.

“Genomic testing of our farmers’ herds plays an important role in our global methane reduction strategy,” says Anco van Schaik, global director of procurement at Danone. By selecting for the Milk Methane Intensity (Z_MI) trait, producers can demonstrate to their buyers that they are producing lower-carbon milk at scale. This isn’t just about being green; it’s about ensuring that a farm remains a preferred supplier in a carbon-conscious marketplace.

The graph shows a projection of the improvement in methane intensity in one of Danone’s dairy herds year over year based on its DWP$ genetic progress.

(Zoetis)

Proof of Concept: McCarty Family Farms

The theoretical value of these genetic updates is best illustrated by real-world results. At McCarty Family Farms in Rexford, Kan., the 2025 Milk Business Leader in Technology award winner the pursuit of genetic optimization has fueled a massive operational expansion.

In 2011, the McCartys milked 7,000 cows with an average daily production of 70 lb. per cow. Today, they milk nearly 20,000 cows, and their productivity has soared to over 100 lb. per cow daily.

“You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” Ken McCarty says. “We’ve increased productivity by almost 50%.”

But the growth wasn’t just in volume. By leveraging genomic insights like DWP$, the McCartys have driven their somatic cell count down to a range of 120,000 to 180,000 — a hallmark of superior animal welfare and milk quality.

For the McCartys, the focus on specific indexes like TPI and DWP$ with Clarifide Plus is the engine behind their mating and breeding strategies. It allows them to select for a cow that isn’t just a milk machine but rather a sustainable asset that fits their specific environmental and economic goals.

The End of the Average Cow

The 2026 update to Clarifide Plus and DWP$ marks the end of the era of the average cow. In a world of tight margins and high scrutiny, there is no longer room for animals that don’t pull their weight in efficiency, health and resilience.

By combining wellness, performance and sustainability into a single, profit-driven index, the industry is moving toward a more individualized form of animal care. As Brett Bristol, head of precision animal health at Zoetis, notes, the goal is to empower producers to “advance both environmental stewardship and overall herd profitability within a single, comprehensive index.”

For the modern dairy producer, the message is clear: The most valuable tool in the barn isn’t just the parlor or the feed wagon; it’s the DNA of the heifer standing in the hutch.

New Genetic Insights Could Help Dairy Industry Tackle Crampy in Cattle

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:55:39 GMT

A long-mysterious condition that has quietly contributed to premature culling and lost lifetime productivity in dairy herds may finally be coming into focus. New research from the University of Guelph shows bovine spastic syndrome, or Crampy, is not just unpredictable, but genetically influenced — and increasingly manageable through selection.

The study, which analyzed more than 54,000 Holstein cattle across 678 Canadian herds, identified multiple genomic regions associated with the condition and demonstrated that incorporating this information into breeding programs improves prediction accuracy. Previous work had suggested a genetic link, but this large-scale dataset both quantifies heritability and pinpoints specific regions tied to disease risk.

What is Crampy?

This chronic neuromuscular disorder typically appears in adult cattle, most often between 2 and 7 years of age. It is characterized by intermittent muscle spasms, usually beginning in the hind limbs. Early signs can be subtle, including stiffness or brief tremors, but episodes may progress in severity and duration over time.

As the condition advances, mobility declines. In many cases, affected animals are ultimately removed from the herd due to welfare concerns and reduced productivity.

Crampy has long been suspected to have a genetic component, but the lack of clear markers has limited the ability to act on that assumption. Environmental and metabolic factors have been explored, yet they have not consistently explained disease occurrence. As a result, control has relied on observation and culling rather than prevention.

What the New Research Shows

The new study confirms Crampy is moderately heritable, meaning genetics plays a meaningful — but not exclusive — role in whether an animal develops the condition.

Researchers identified 41 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with Crampy across the genome. Many of these markers are located near genes involved in neuromuscular signaling, ion transport and muscle contraction, which closely align with the clinical signs observed in affected cattle.

The analysis also uncovered genetic correlations with mineral-related traits, including calcium and zinc balance. While these relationships do not establish causation, they provide biological plausibility and suggest disruptions in mineral handling and nerve excitability may contribute to disease expression.

From a selection standpoint, one of the most important findings is the improvement in genomic prediction accuracy. When genomic information was included, reliability of breeding values increased by up to 17% compared to traditional approaches. In practical terms, this means producers and breeding programs can identify higher-risk animals with greater confidence, even before clinical signs appear.

Importantly, the study found no strong antagonistic relationships with major production traits, indicating selection against Crampy can be incorporated into existing breeding goals without compromising performance.

What Does This Mean for Treatment and Management?

There is no effective treatment for Crampy. With no reliable medical or nutritional intervention available, control has historically depended on management decisions:

Culling severely affected animals
Reducing handling stress to limit episode triggers
Avoiding use of affected animals in breeding decisions

This has made long-term control difficult under traditional approaches and reinforced the need for preventive strategies.

A Shift Toward Prevention

What this research changes is the ability to act proactively.

With clearer genetic markers and improved prediction tools, breeding decisions can play a central role in reducing the condition over time. This also increases the importance of identifying and recording affected animals at the herd level.

For bovine spastic syndrome prevention:

Record and track suspected Crampy cases consistently
Flag affected cow families when making breeding decisions
Work with genetic advisers as selection tools become available
Avoid retaining replacements from clearly affected lines

Crampy remains a challenging condition, but the path forward is becoming more defined — shifting the focus from reacting to individual cases to systematically reducing risk at the population level.

Zoetis to Acquire Neogen’s Animal Genomics Business

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:52:23 GMT

Today, Neogen Corporation , an innovative leader in food safety solutions, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its global genomics business to Zoetis Inc. , the world’s leading animal health company, for $160 million, subject to customary closing adjustments.

Neogen’s planned divestiture, which had been previously announced, was part of the company’s portfolio review strategy to simplify the business and focus on core strategic markets.

“Neogen’s genomics business ( GeneSeek ) has been a pioneer in advanced DNA testing for livestock and has set a high standard for innovation across the livestock sector, with globally recognized solutions spanning genomic prediction, herd improvement and data integration,” says Tom Schultz, Neogen head of commercial global genomics."We’re excited to build on that foundation in our future with Zoetis and to continue advancing tools that strengthen animal health, performance and overall profitability. Customers can expect a thoughtful transition and continued excellent service,”

According to a Zoetis release , “This acquisition aligns directly with Zoetis’ strategy to drive future livestock innovation through genomics, reinforcing its commitment to livestock producers worldwide and advancing its precision animal health portfolio. By integrating Neogen’s genomic technologies and data solutions, Zoetis is expanding its capabilities to deliver predictive insights, individualized care and greater value to customers across major livestock and companion animal species.”

Neogen’s genomics business serves customers in more than 120 countries through its five laboratories in the U.S., Brazil, Australia, China and the United Kingdom, as well as an office location in Canada. The business leverages a comprehensive genotyping platform of fixed array and sequencing technologies, as well as software solutions that empower customers to make informed and data-driven decisions. The business is a leader in U.S. beef and dairy genomics , and its cutting-edge technologies enable highly accurate, scalable genetic testing and deeper insights into animal health, productivity and sustainability.

“This transaction is part of the company’s strategic portfolio review and allows the company to accelerate de-leveraging and improve profitability going forward,” says Mike Nassif, Neogen’s chief executive officer and president. “Furthermore, this deal allows us to focus in areas where the company has the most significant competitive advantage and further leverage our core capabilities in food and animal safety. We are committed to a smooth transition for customers, employees and other stakeholders, and believe the business is well positioned to thrive under Zoetis’ ownership.”

GeneSeek has been a pioneer in advanced DNA testing for livestock and companion animal industries, leveraging a global presence to deliver highly accurate, data-driven insights that contribute to improved animal performance and health, as well as profitability, in the beef, dairy and other industries. Through the flagship Igenity and GGP portfolio and rapid turnaround times, the business offers returns-focused genomic tools and globally recognized standards in genomic prediction to accelerate herd improvement and enable genomics trait screening. Supported by the Encompass platform for genomic data integration and strategic partnerships advancing DNA-backed traceability, GeneSeek is committed to continued innovation and scientific excellence.

“We’re excited to build on our innovative genomics portfolio offerings in our future with Zoetis and to continue advancing tools that strengthen overall animal health, performance, and profitability,” Schultz says. “At Zoetis, genomics becomes a core part of a company fully dedicated to animal health. Zoetis brings deep scientific capabilities, operational scale, and a long-term commitment to genetics and data.”

Jamie Brannan, Zoetis chief commercial officer, adds, “The addition of Neogen’s genomics business strengthens our commitment to advancing animal health through innovation, data and technology. As we continue to grow our leading innovative solutions in Precision Animal Health, this acquisition brings complementary capabilities that expand predictive insights and individualized care, enabling us to deliver added value to customers. Together, we are shaping the future of animal health, empowering customers with the tools they need to support healthier animals and sustainable livestock production globally.”

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first half of the company’s 2027 fiscal year, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The net proceeds from the transaction are expected to be used primarily for debt reduction. The Neogen genomics business generated approximately $90 million in sales during fiscal year 2025.

“At the time of the announcement, nothing will change,” Schultz explains. “Our customers’ contacts and ordering processes remain the same — products, services and support also remain the same. Customers can expect a thoughtful transition, continued service continuity, and future benefits from Zoetis’ focus in the business. Any changes will be communicated well in advance.”

Zoetis says it is committed to a seamless integration, supporting continuity for colleagues and customers, and building on Neogen’s legacy of innovation in genomics.

Beef-on-Dairy is Becoming a Bigger Engine for the Beef Supply Chain

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:58:56 GMT

Beef-on-dairy has become a significant part of the U.S. beef supply over the past decade, gaining momentum much like a freight train that keeps picking up speed. In fact, roughly 20% of today’s beef now traces back to a dairy cow, reflecting how integrated dairy production has become with the broader beef value chain.

And according to Matthew Cleveland of ABS Global and Nick Hardcastle of Cargill North America, that momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

“I think we’re all aware of the scope and magnitude of what beef-on-dairy has become and the significant role it plays within our beef supply chain today,” Cleveland noted during a panel at the 2026 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association conference.

He says the sector’s growth has also changed how the dairy and beef industries view one another. Rather than operating as separate segments, the lines between them have blurred.

“The dairy business is a big part of the beef business,” Cleveland says. “I don’t even like to separate them now. We’re all in the beef business, and we value partnership with our dairy producers.”

As beef-on-dairy has expanded, more attention has turned to decisions made on the dairy, where breeding choices directly influence how those calves perform all the way through the beef system.

Breeding With the Beef End in Mind

In the early days of beef-on-dairy, breeding decisions were driven largely by convenience rather than genetic intent. Beef semen was often selected based on price and availability rather than how those genetics would fit the needs of the beef sector.

“Before people really started thinking about beef sire genetics on dairy cows, there wasn’t much consideration for what those genetics actually were,” Cleveland says. “Most decisions came down to what semen was already in the tank or what was free. The main goal was simply getting the cow pregnant.”

That approach began to change as the industry started to see beef-on-dairy as a long-term genetic opportunity rather than just a reproductive tool.

“We began looking at beef‑on‑dairy more seriously from a genetic improvement standpoint around 2012,” Cleveland says. “We started to see the signals that beef-on-dairy was growing.”

Not long after, dedicated breeding programs were being developed across genetic companies to address the needs of both dairy producers and the beef supply chain. Today, Cleveland says those programs continue to evolve, with commercial performance data feeding back into genetic evaluations to drive ongoing improvement.

From ‘Black Holsteins’ to Beef-Calf Performance

During the early days of beef-on-dairy, crossbred calves exposed real challenges for the beef industry. Cleveland notes that many of these animals were simply viewed as “black Holsteins,” which cooled enthusiasm among packers.

“If you think back to 2013-14, you were just trying to create a black calf,” he notes. “We weren’t seeing the performance that you would expect from a beef calf. And for a few years, I think that soured the supply chain on the idea of beef-on-dairy.”

As sire selection became more intentional, however, performance improved. By 2017-18, Cleveland says calves coming from dairy cows began to more closely resemble traditional beef calves.

“We had to create animals that were going to perform,” Cleveland says. “And for us, that was really about focusing our genetic improvement to ensure we selected for the right things each segment wanted.”

Some of those genetic improvements included:

Fertility and calving traits for dairies
Feed efficiency and growth traits for feedyards
Carcass merit and consistency traits for the packers

According to Cleveland, these efforts have helped beef-on-dairy calves perform more like native beef cattle. And by focusing on traits that matter for dairies, feedyards and packers, the beef-on-dairy animals that we know today are much more consistent and valuable.

Performance Trends from the Packer’s Rail

With beef-on-dairy calves now performing more like traditional beef cattle, packers see that consistency as essential for maintaining quality and keeping cattle moving through the system.

“Beef-on-dairy is a very important thing for the beef industry right now, especially when we’re talking about capacity,” Hardcastle says. “We have to make sure we have a beef population that can meet our consumers’ demand.”

Importantly, he emphasizes that these animals are not bringing down overall standards in the beef industry.

“They’re good for the consumer,” Hardcastle says. “Tenderness data shows they perform very well, making a positive impact. These aren’t just animals being blended in that lower beef quality; they actually help improve it.”

He references Cleveland’s remarks, highlighting how focused breeding and feeding approaches have contributed to stronger quality grades.

“Over the past five years, we’ve seen quality grade continuously improve,” he says. “Back in 2021, these animals graded 80% Choice or better. Today they’re leveling at about 92% Choice.”

Hardcastle says beef-on-dairy cattle are also making a notable contribution to Prime.

“From a marbling perspective, almost two-thirds of these cattle could qualify for upper two-thirds Choice,” he says. “The ones that don’t usually fall short because of factors like hot carcass weight, ribeye size and fat thickness.”

From a carcass quality perspective, Hardcastle says beef-on-dairy is delivering the kind of results the industry needs. They’re grading well, adding stability to supply and proving they can hold their own in a system that demands both consistency and performance.

Processing Challenges Inside the Plant

Even as grades and marbling improve, processors are still working through carcass traits that affect returns, particularly excess kidney, pelvic and heart (KPH) fat. Hardcastle explains that beef-on-dairy cattle often mirror their Holstein roots, tending to carry more KPH fat than native beef animals.

“From a packing perspective, you pay for a carcass with the kidney, pelvic and heart fat in it, but that fat can’t be sold as beef,” Hardcastle says. “It ends up in the tallow market at 50 to 60 cents a pound, compared with about $3.60 on a beef grid, creating an immediate value loss.”

On today’s heavier carcasses, even modest differences in KPH can add up.

“If I have a 950-lb. carcass, which is pretty common today, that can mean about 12 extra pounds of internal fat instead of saleable meat,” he says. “That difference can cost $30 to $40 per head.”

These carcass differences are also highlighting the limits of traditional yield grade assumptions.

“Yield grade is meant to estimate how much salable red meat a carcass will produce,” Hardcastle explains.

Based on ribeye size, backfat and carcass weight, beef-on-dairy cattle should cut better than native beef, but yield grades often don’t reflect their true performance.

“Yield grade and beef-on-dairy really aren’t closely related,” he says. “Research shows that yield grading doesn’t reliably predict cutability or value for Holsteins or beef-on-dairy cattle.”

This mismatch shows that standard measures like yield grade, internal fat and weight don’t always capture the real value of beef-on-dairy animals, making it challenging for processors to price and sort them at the rail. To address this, Cargill is testing new technology called SizeR to capture 3D carcass measurements at chain speed.

“So, we can evaluate the full composition of these animals, not just traditional ribeye and fat thickness,” Hardcastle says. “This will help feeders and geneticists be able to better target the right traits to improve cutability and consistency.”

Growing and Permanent Force

Each year, millions of beef-on-dairy calves enter the market, providing a reliable source of high-quality cattle that deliver value from the dairy all the way to the packer.

“We have somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 [million] to 3.5 million beef-on-dairy calves in the market today, which obviously represents a significant proportion of that beef supply chain,” Cleveland adds.

That presence is prompting both dairy and beef participants to think differently about their place in the larger system.

“At every stage, from the dairy to the feedyard to the packer, these animals are performing and adding value,” Hardcastle says. “We understand the significance of beef-on-dairy, and we know that beef-on-dairy is not going away.”

As the industry continues to refine how these cattle are evaluated and managed, beef-on-dairy is positioned to remain a dependable contributor to both supply and consumer demand. With ongoing genetic gains and strong beef demand fueling the engine, the sector is gaining momentum and becoming a permanent fixture in the beef supply chain.

The 3-Year Bet: Navigating Semen Choices and Herd Dynamics

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:54:07 GMT

In the high-stakes world of dairy management, a single decision made in the breeding lane can echo through a farm’s balance sheet for years. When a producer stands with a straw of semen in hand, they aren’t just breeding a cow; they are making a three-year financial and biological investment.

On a recent episode of the “Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast,” Daryl Nydam, a professor of dairy health and production at Cornell University, sat down with Craig McConnel, an associate professor and director of veterinary medicine extension at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine , to discuss the complex intersection of herd dynamics, semen selection and long-term sustainability. Nydam’s message to producers is clear: While short-term cash flow is tempting, the long-term health of the dairy depends on maintaining the right number of replacements to ensure every stall is occupied by an efficient animal.

3-Year Investment Cycle

The fundamental challenge of replacement planning is the significant lead time required to bring a new animal into the milking string. As Nydam points out, a breeding decision made today involves a nine-month gestation period followed by approximately two years of growth before that animal begins producing milk.

“It’s really hard to predict your replacement needs three years forward,” Nydam explains. “Are we going to invest in sexed semen so we have enough replacements in three years, or are we going to try to shortcut that for quick cash flow?”

This shortcut usually involves breeding dairy cows to beef bulls to produce a high-value crossbred calf. While this provides an immediate sizable check at the farm gate, it reduces the pool of future replacements, effectively locking the producer into their current herd structure for years to come.

The ‘Black Calf’ Bubble

The rise of the beef-on-dairy market has fundamentally shifted the math for many producers. What began as a $500 premium for a crossbred calf has climbed to $750, then $1,000 and even higher in some regions.

“I don’t know where this bubble is going to go, but those things markedly influence herd replacement rates and therefore the dynamics of the herd,” Nydam says.

The temptation of immediate cash can lead to overbreeding to beef. When producers curtail their replacement pipeline to capture calf checks, they lose their most important management tool: the ability to cull. Nydam argues that if you don’t have an available heifer, you cannot make the most efficient cow-by-cow decisions; you are forced to keep underperforming or unhealthy cows simply to keep the stalls full.

The Culling Conundrum

From a veterinary perspective, culling is often seen through the lens of health: replacing a cow because she is sick or open. However, Nydam encourages a more management-centric view.

“If you show up on any dairy on any day, can you find one cow that you would like to replace that day?” Nydam says. “It’s really rare that I go to a dairy and say there are no cows here that I want to replace today.”

The ability to act on that instinct depends entirely on having a heifer ready to calve. As Nydam puts it: “A sick cow today doesn’t cause a heifer to calve two years ago.” If the replacement wasn’t planned for 36 months in advance, the producer is stuck with the “40-pound cow” that is dragging down the herd’s average efficiency.

Sustainability and the ‘Maintenance Dilution’

Beyond the immediate economics, the balance of replacements has a significant impact on a farm’s environmental footprint. Sustainability in dairy is largely a game of diluting maintenance costs.

A lactating cow requires a significant amount of energy and dry-matter intake just to maintain her body before she produces a single drop of milk. High-producing, efficient cows dilute that maintenance tax over a larger volume of milk.

“Having a few extra heifers is actually less resource-intensive versus not having the most efficiently productive lactating cows,” Nydam says. He adds that while a yearling heifer eats 20-25 lb. of dry matter, a lactating cow eats 55-60 lb. Keeping an inefficient cow because you lack a replacement heifer is a far greater waste of resources than raising a small surplus of heifers to ensure only the best cows remain in the herd.

Balancing Cash Flow with Strategy

Nydam acknowledges that “cash is king” and the revenue from crossbred calves is a vital part of the modern dairy business model. However, he cautions against sacrificing long-term profitability for short-term liquidity.

The goal for 2026 and beyond should be a strategic middle ground. By using tools to predict future replacement needs and understanding the marginal milk value required to offset a beef-cross calf check, producers can fine-tune their herd structure.

Ultimately, long-term sustainability is about having the most efficient animal in every slot on the dairy, all the time. Achieving that requires looking past today’s calf check and planning for the milk check of 2028.

Your Next Read:
Will Beef-on-Dairy Help Rebuild America’s Record-Low Cattle Numbers?

Will Beef-on-Dairy Help Rebuild America’s Record-Low Cattle Numbers?

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:10:39 GMT

America’s cow herd has shrunk to levels not seen in 75 years, falling to 86.2 million head. Weather challenges, high input costs and record cattle prices have made heifer retention a difficult decision for many beef producers, keeping numbers tight. In response, more feedlots have turned their attention toward the dairy sector, where beef-on-dairy calves are helping to fill the gap.

Can Beef-on-Dairy Help Fill Feedlot Pens?

As beef cow numbers continue to slide, beef‑on‑dairy calves have stepped up, offering feedlots a steady source of quality cattle. That growing demand is giving dairy farmers a chance to cash in on a market with lucrative returns.

A 2024 industry survey found about 72% of dairy producers are actively using beef-on-dairy breeding programs, and production numbers mirror this trend. CattleFax estimates beef-on-dairy calf production jumped from just 50,000 head in 2014 to 3.22 million in 2024, with projections likely to reach 5 to 6 million head by 2026.

These trends are reflected in the latest USDA numbers, which show just how tight beef supplies are and how the dairy herd is playing a growing role in meeting demand:

The number of milk cows in the U.S. increased 2% to 9.57 million.

Total Cattle and Calves Inventory: 86.2 million head (down 0.35%)
Beef Cow Herd: 27.6 million head (down 1%)
2025 Calf Crop: 32.9 million head (smallest since 1941)
Beef Replacement Heifers: 4.71 million head (up 1%)

(USDA Data)

Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek believes the tightest supply of this entire cattle cycle could occur in the next 60 to 90 days. During a recent episode of “AgriTalk”, Kooima highlighted how beef-on-dairy has become a major component helping to keep the beef supply chain strong.

“The gorilla in the room, to me, is beef-on-dairy,” he says. “From a couple of standpoints, the dairy cow herd’s the biggest since 1993. It’s grown and grown, and why wouldn’t you if you can get $1,200 to $1,500 for a day-old calf?”

What used to be a steady stream of native beef calves is now increasingly made up of dairy-beef crosses. Feedlot managers say these cattle have helped provide something the beef industry has long struggled with — a reliable, steady supply.

Dr. Eric Belke, veterinarian and feedlot partner at Blackshirt Feeders in Nebraska, says that need for consistency is exactly why Blackshirt Feeders was designed around beef-on-dairy cattle.

“Historically, in the feedlot world, there has been a lot of seasonality. With the beef-on-dairy population, we have a very consistent flow of cattle throughout the year,” he explained during the 2025 MILK Business Conference. “We needed a very large and consistent supply chain.”

Belke’s experience highlights how some feedlots are restructuring their operations to lean heavily on beef-on-dairy cattle, designing facilities and supply chains around the predictability these animals provide.

“Our feedlot was really built for feeding beef-on-dairy animals,” Belke says. “Right now, we’re at a capacity of 100,000 head, and we’re under construction. Next year, we’ll be at 150,000 head. By the end of 2027, we’ll be at 200,000 head. Currently, we have about 87,000 head on feed, and over 90% of those are beef-on-dairy animals.”

What Impact is it Having on Packers?

That predictable pipeline isn’t just benefiting feedlots. Packers are seeing the results, too.

Each year, several hundred thousand beef-on-dairy animals are processed alongside native beef cattle. And the quality within these animals is strong, with many grading very high Choice and even Prime. That quality has helped secure their place in the market.

Nick Hardcastle, Cargill senior director of meat grading and technical specialist, explains beef-on-dairy calves are an upgrade to the traditional Holstein steer.

“Beef-on-dairy is more desirable because it helped overcome several Holstein difficulties,” he says. “Improvements include red meat yield — more meat to a consumer — as well as improved acceptance in branded programs.”

That progress comes from being more intentional with breeding and management. Since replacement females aren’t the goal for the dairy farmers producing these calves, they and their genetic partners can focus on the traits that matter most to the beef supply chain, like calving ease, feed efficiency, days to finish, carcass weight, marbling and overall yield.

Data is what makes that possible. By linking individual AI sires to feedyard performance and carcass outcomes through electronic identification and data sharing, some supply chains are reviewing sire performance every six months and making rapid adjustments. The result has been a measurable improvement in grade, efficiency and days to finish — driven by genetics and management working together.

The Other Side of a Hot Market

While the beef-on-dairy boom has been a big win for dairy farmers, not everyone is celebrating its rise in popularity. Kooima worries about the long-term effects of vertical integration and the growing control some companies now have over the supply chain.

“For the first time, you’ve got an integrator that can control an animal from its birthday and schedule it out 341 days later to slaughter,” he explains. “It’s a dream the packers chase. I watched what happened in hogs and poultry. This scares me to death. The combination of all of that is we’re losing price discovery. They’re going to try to slow it down as much as they can until they control the supply.”

That tension, between a system solving today’s supply problem and one that could reshape how cattle are marketed, is shaping much of the beef‑on‑dairy conversation.

With the U.S. native beef herd unlikely to rebound soon, beef-on-dairy is becoming an important part of keeping the supply chain steady. While the long-term market effects are still unfolding, the trend highlights how the dairy sector is helping meet the country’s ongoing demand for beef.

Innovation in Every Drop: Apple Shamrock Farms Crowned 2026 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:40:02 GMT

In the heart of Northwest Pennsylvania lies an exemplary model of dairy innovation: Apple Shamrock Farms, LLC. With their recent accolade of being named the 2026 International Dairy Foods Association’s Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year award winner, the Waddell family showcases what it truly means to be modern dairy producers.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Founded in 1976 by Robert and Lorna Waddell, alongside their son Robert J., Apple Shamrock Dairy continues its legacy today under the leadership of seventh-generation farmer Josh Waddell. The dairy remains a true family affair, with Josh’s brother, Joe, as a farm partner (primarily working off-farm), his mother, Christine, managing the books, and his father, Robert J., overseeing the milk hauling side of the business.

Apple Shamrock Farms LLC exemplifies a holistic approach to innovation, integrating advanced solutions across every facet of their expansive 3,500-acre operation, which supports a 1,250-cow milking herd producing an impressive 38 million pounds of milk annually.

“There’s a lot of unique things that I think we do well, but cows are No. 1 around here. That’s what we built our business on and has allowed us to do what we’ve done,” Josh Waddell says. “We are truly honored to receive this recognition.”

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Maximizing Herd Potential Through Data and Genetics
At the core of Apple Shamrock Farms’ operations in Townville, Pa., is their sophisticated approach to dairy management, primarily driven by data and genetics. The Waddells implement a high-tech Afimilk cow monitoring system that delivers comprehensive data analytics, allowing for precise adjustments in cow care and feeding. This meticulous approach is supported by strategic feed tracking software, which ensures optimal component levels in milk production. This all has helped Apple Shamrock consistently achieve high component levels with 94 lb. of milk, with a 4.35% butterfat, and 3.35% protein, respectively. This translates to 109.8 lb. of energy corrected milk.

“The scale of the business we are in, we need the high output from the cows,” Waddell says.

Beyond daily management, Apple Shamrock Farms is a pioneer in genetic advancement. Through the strategic use of IVF and genomics, they are actively shaping their herd’s future, selecting embryos from their highest-producing, functional cows to enhance genetics and improve herd longevity. This forward-thinking approach ensures they are milking the right cows and maximizing the potential of every animal, even with a significant percentage of 2-year-olds in the herd.

Apple Shamrock has sold a lot of replacement heifers over the years, and Waddell notes the buyers want genomics, but they don’t want to “buy a dented Mustang.”

Their commitment to excellence extends beyond sound genetics to meticulous transition and calving pen all-in, all-out management and with a constant focus on raising the best, healthiest calves they can.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Pioneering Environmental Stewardship and Resource Optimization
Innovation at Apple Shamrock Farms isn’t confined to the barn; it extends to robust environmental stewardship. The Waddells have implemented a comprehensive three-cell manure system with a low-maintenance sand separation system. This not only allows them to reclaim sand for bedding but also significantly enhances the potency of their liquid fertilizer. Critically, all liquid manure is injected directly into the ground, a practice that maximizes crop yields while drastically limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preventing runoff.

Apple Shamrock effectively separates sand by mixing two gallons of “tea water” (thinner manure from cell three) with one gallon of sand-laden manure, then employing a large dewatering screen and stacking conveyors to create 35'-high sand piles for reuse after eight months.

“This innovative sand removal process has significantly improved our overall hauling efficiency by 20% to 25% and generated substantial savings on spreading equipment, enough to justify the sand lane’s cost even without sand reuse,” Waddell says.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Despite the system being designed for 1,200 cows and currently handling more, leading to some water quality challenges, Waddell says the farm prioritizes a straightforward approach, avoiding complex mechanical separation buildings and planning to expand storage to meet current herd needs.

Their commitment to sustainability is further evident in their extensive satellite cropping operation, encompassing 565 acres of corn and soybeans. At the satellite cropping operation and the home operation, guidance systems and precision planters are used. These practices collectively contribute to energy efficiencies and a notable reduction in GHG emissions, demonstrating a profound dedication to both economic and environmental sustainability.

“I used to call it the four-leaf clover, but our approach to sustainability is really a full circle,” Waddell explains.

A Model for Future Challenges and Industry Leadership
Apple Shamrock Farms is strategically positioned to meet future economic and sustainability challenges head-on. Their philosophy of “structured growth” focuses on maximizing performance and efficiency, driving high output while achieving significant labor savings. By coupling genetic potential with cow comfort, they aim for a more mature, resilient herd, ensuring long-term viability.

“Looking ahead, we first plan to optimize our dairy by first filling the remaining 200 to 400 cow capacity in their parlor to improve cash flow,” Waddell explains, noting a core focus for the next decade is eliminating “Josh spots,” inefficient areas requiring daily attention, and consolidating their dry cow, prefresh and calf operations into a single, highly efficient complex where specialized labor can focus.

Beyond their farm gates, the Waddells are recognized leaders.

“They are truly a testament to what can happen when innovation and creativity meet a strong work ethic and desire to progress,” says Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, in a nomination letter supporting Apple Shamrock.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

The Waddell family actively participates in benchmarking groups, shares insights with peers and holds numerous leadership roles across the dairy industry and within their local community. Whether housing “foster cows” for a neighboring farm after a devastating fire or hosting school tours, their spirit of cooperation and advocacy for the dairy industry is unwavering.

“This spirit of support in times of crisis is what makes our agriculture industry great, the Waddells are a standout example,” Redding says.

Apple Shamrock Farms embodies what’s achievable when innovation converges with tradition and tenacity. As a paragon of modern dairy farming, they set a dynamic example for the future, proving hard work and creative solutions can propel the industry forward.

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The New Age of Beef-on-Dairy is Here

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:54:00 GMT

Not long ago, beef-on-dairy was viewed as a side experiment to add value to low-demand dairy bull calves. Today, it’s become a practical strategy for both the dairy and feedlot sectors, boosting dairy margins while giving feedlots a steady, predictable supply of cattle.

As the segment has grown, the conversation has moved from whether it works to how it can work better. That evolution was front and center during the 2025 MILK Business Conference , where dairy producers and feedlot managers came together to compare notes, share lessons learned and discuss where beef-on-dairy is headed next.

(Farm Journal)

From Skepticism To Standard Practice

For many dairy producers, the first step into beef-on-dairy was taken cautiously. Daniel Vander Dussen, a New Mexico dairy farmer, remembers pushing back when beef-on-dairy was first introduced on his farm.

“We started giving it a try in 2017, so we weren’t the first ones to do it. I actually pushed back against it at first,” he says.

At the time, the idea of using beef semen on Holstein cows felt counterintuitive, especially after years of genetic progress focused mostly on milk production. The turning point came when calf buyers began to weigh in on value.

“Our custom calf raiser came to us and said, ‘Look, no matter what, your beef-on-dairy calves are going to bring you more than that Holstein steer ever will.’ So as soon as we figured that out, we went to beef-on-dairy. And looking back, I wish I would have started doing it even sooner,” Vander Dussen says.

That same progression has played out on a larger scale for Tony Lopes and his family’s fourth-generation California dairy. Over the past seven years, Lopes has helped turn beef-on-dairy from a trial concept into a central part of the operation. Today, the family milks 5,000 cows across four locations, produces about 3,800 beef-on-dairy animals annually and sources more than 12,000 additional crossbred calves from outside dairies and calf ranches.

(Angie Denton)

“Beef-on-dairy was becoming the trendy thing to do, and it coincided with us going through an expansion,” Lopes says.

During the farm’s expansion, replacement needs were secured using sexed semen. Once the dairy had hit their target, they stopped using conventional semen altogether and leaned fully into beef genetics. Today, the program has evolved even further, with calves raised from day-olds, to 400-lb. weights and up to 700 lb. to 750 lb. before marketing.

“In seven years, we’ve gone from knowing nothing about the feedlot side of beef-on-dairy to making it an incredibly big piece of our operation,” Lopes says.

What To Consider

For dairy producers like Lopes and Vander Dussen, as beef-on-dairy has cemented itself in the market, success has shifted from simply creating a black calf to producing one that fits the needs of the entire supply chain.

Feedlots and buyers are looking for cattle that finish the way they’re expected to, and that begins on the dairy. Breeding decisions, early calf health and how calves are managed in the first weeks all influence how predictable those animals will be later. As the market continues to mature, producers who plan ahead and stay connected to their buyers will be better set up for the long haul.

Begin With The End In Mind

Value doesn’t start at the feedlot. It starts on the dairy. Lopes says long-term success comes from thinking about how calves will be evaluated down the line. Animals that meet buyer and feedlot expectations are easier to market and more likely to earn premiums.

“If there isn’t value after the calf leaves your operation, it’s going to be difficult to capture more,” Lopes says. “Producers need to understand what buyers value and plan for that from the start.”

Vander Dussen learned that lesson over time.

“At first, as long as you had a black calf, that felt like enough,” he says. “But we quickly learned that feedlots care about more than just color. I wish we would have pushed harder for higher genetics right away.”

(Angie Denton)

Lopes bases genetics and buying decisions on conversations and data that align with his cattle marketing goals, not just individual traits.

“The goal is predictability,” he says. “You translate performance into dollars and make decisions from there.”

That same thinking carries into the feedyard.

“Everybody has to win within the chain,” says Dr. Eric Belke, veterinarian and feedlot partner at Blackshirt Feeders in Nebraska. “When data and feedback are interchanged, it leads to more consistent cattle and more value for everyone involved.”

Feedlots Crave Consistency

Collaboration matters with feedlots now leaning heavily on beef-on-dairy programs like those run by Lopes and Vander Dussen. These operations provide a steady supply of calves that grow and perform predictably, giving feedlots the scale and reliability they need.

Belke says that need for consistency is exactly why Blackshirt Feeders was designed around beef-on-dairy cattle.

“Our feedlot was really built for feeding beef-on-dairy animals,” Belke says. “Right now, we’re at a capacity of 100,000 head, and we’re under construction. Next year, we’ll be at 150,000 head. By the end of 2027, we’ll be at 200,000 head. Currently we have about 87,000 head on feed, and over 90% of those are beef-on-dairy animals.”

As beef-on-dairy enters a new era, feedlots like Blackshirt Feeders are looking more toward dairies to keep their pens full. Belke says the year-round flow of cattle sets beef-on-dairy apart from traditional procurement models that are heavily influenced by seasonality.

(Angie Denton)

“The reason this closed loop system really works is because we can grow cattle at scale. We needed a very large and consistent supply chain,” he explains. “Historically, in the feedlot world, there has been a lot of seasonality. With the beef-on-dairy population, we have a very consistent flow of cattle throughout the year.”

Consistency also shows up in performance, driven by genetic design and selection.

“Consistency is key, not just in the flow of cattle, but also in the consistent and predictive outcome of the cattle,” Belke adds. “What we’ve done genetically is work with dairy farmers to design sires that ultimately create extremely similar offspring.”

That focus on genetics and uniformity has helped feedlots manage risk and improve efficiency. Tony Bryant, director of nutrition, research and analytics at Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, says these animals are helping feedlots fill supply needs today and will continue to do so efficiently in the future.

“The cattle supply has been challenging for us trying to keep these yards full, and part of that is just the nature of the cattle cycle. But the other part of it is drought and the closure of the border. So, the beef-on-dairy cross animals really help us and the whole industry, especially from a cattle supply standpoint,” Bryant adds.

Bryant says improvements in genetics and faster access to data are helping feedlots get cattle that perform predictably, making it easier to manage costs and hit marketing targets.

“Beef-on-dairy has come a long way in a short time, with data coming back faster and the cattle getting better because of it,” he adds.

With the native beef herd continuing to shrink, both Belke and Bryant say the reliable supply and more predictable results of beef-on-dairy cattle have become critical tools for feedyards looking to secure cattle and manage risk year-round.

Predictability Built on Relationships and Data

As beef-on-dairy moves into its next phase, predictable outcomes are coming from stronger partnerships. Partnerships now begin at breeding, with dairies and feedlots working together to reduce uncertainty down the line.

“We start with the dairy before the calf is born,” Belke says. “Once the calf arrives, we make an offer based on the current market. Then we get the data that goes along with that calf. In return, the dairy producer gets a credit back to the semen company that is more than the original cost of the semen. So, they receive day-old market value for the calf, plus more than their semen cost covered, and we get the calf.”

That early coordination creates value on both sides. Dairy producers are paid fairly and rewarded for their breeding decisions, while feedlots gain calves with known genetics and management history that can be tracked from birth through finish. Just as important, that data follows the animal through the supply chain.

“All of this data goes back to help us make smarter decisions for the next generation,” Belke adds.

Bryant says that feedback loop is becoming essential as programs scale and risk management becomes more complex. With calves sourced from many dairies, knowing how animals were bred, fed and cared for early in life makes a difference.

(Angie Denton)

“Our objective is to build relationships with the producer, their nutritionist and their vet so we can synchronize the program as best we can,” Bryant says. “It is slower than we would like, but it is worth it.”

As those relationships deepen, data is becoming the backbone of decision making. What started as basic record keeping is evolving into a system that actively guides breeding, calf care and marketing decisions.

“The more we know about these calves before they arrive, the better we can manage growth, feed efficiency and overall performance,” Bryant says.

Rather than just sharing information after the fact, producers and feedlots are beginning to use data in real time, predicting outcomes before calves leave the dairy and adjusting programs accordingly.

“When you track calves from birth through harvest, you can actually see how dairy decisions show up later,” Belke adds. “It helps everyone stay on the same page and make better choices.”

Looking ahead, transparency and collaboration are becoming part of doing business. Operations willing to share information and act on it are creating more consistent outcomes and setting the direction for where beef-on-dairy is headed next.

A Defining Shift

What began as a way to add value to unwanted calves has evolved into an integrated system shaped by genetics, data and collaboration. For dairies, it offers a way to strengthen economics during volatile markets. For feedlots, it provides dependable supply and predictable performance in an increasingly uncertain cattle landscape.

As native beef numbers remain tight and pressure mounts across the supply chain, beef-on-dairy is proving to be more than a trend. It’s the new normal. Producers who plan ahead, build strong relationships and think about the whole system are the ones seeing the benefits.

Fewer Heifers Mean Higher Stakes for Reproduction

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:01:58 GMT

Over the last 20 years, reproduction in dairy herds has changed in ways that were hard to imagine two decades ago. Pregnancy rates that once sat in the low teens are now climbing to levels that have reshaped how farms manage breeding decisions.

“We’ve seen average preg rates go from 13% to 14% to herds that now push 40%,” says Paul Fricke, professor and Extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, on a recent Dairy Health Blackbelt podcast. “That’s why we’re using sexed semen and beef semen. It’s changed everything.”

However, that progress comes with a tradeoff. As sexed semen is used more strategically and beef semen fills in elsewhere, farms are raising fewer replacement heifers. According to Fricke, that makes it harder to absorb mistakes.

“My argument has been we’ve got to be better with those fewer heifers from a reproductive standpoint,” he says.

With fewer heifers in the pipeline, every breeding decision carries more weight. Missed heats, mistimed inseminations or extended days open can quickly add cost and delay animals entering the milking herd. Fricke says heifer reproduction can’t be treated as a low-priority task. Getting heifers pregnant at the right time, he says, matters more when fewer replacements are available.

Rethink Timed AI in Heifers

As farms work to manage heifer breeding more consistently with fewer replacements, many have turned to synchronization programs to simplify decisions and reduce reliance on heat detection. Timed-AI protocols are now common on many farms because they’re easier to manage with limited labor, but Fricke says they aren’t without limitations. He points to the 5-day CIDR-Synch protocol as a common starting point for heifers, noting that its biggest challenge comes down to timing.

“The big problem with these protocols is they’re not 100% timed AI protocols,” Fricke explains. “We’ll see about 27% to 33% of heifers coming to heat a day early.”

That early estrus creates management challenges and opens the door to mistimed inseminations. To address it, Fricke’s team tested a simple change by leaving the progesterone insert in place for an extra 24 hours.

“There were 12% of the heifers that came into heat early on the 5-day treatment, compared with only 1% on the 6-day treatment,” he says. “With conventional semen in Holstein heifers, there was no decline in fertility.”

Does Sexed Semen Need a Different Approach?

That consistency, however, doesn’t always carry over when sexed semen is used. Fricke says many farms manage sexed semen the same way they would conventional semen, which can lead to lower conception rates than expected.

“Sex[ed] semen is quite different,” he says. “What I generally see is low conception rates. I think it’s a timing of insemination issue.”

In a Wisconsin study across three farms using sexed semen, once-daily heat detection with prostaglandin achieved a 45% conception rate. The 5-day CIDR protocol improved conception to 52%. But the 6-day protocol fell back to 45%.

“The worst thing you can do with sex[ed] semen is inseminate too early,” Fricke says. “And that’s what we did. We kind of set them up to get bred too early.”

Look Beyond Upfront Costs

While synchronization protocols often draw scrutiny for their upfront cost, Fricke argues that focusing only on protocol price misses the bigger economic picture. The real driver of profitability in heifer reproduction, he says, is days on feed.

“The big thing about repro in heifers is limiting total days on feed, because total days on feed is determined by when you get the heifers pregnant,” he says. “That feed cost is something that a lot of farmers don’t look at. It’s the classic kind of unfunded cost, right? The hidden cost.”

In his comparison of minimal estrus synchronization versus CIDR-based programs, the upfront numbers favor the simpler approach. Protocol costs averaged $4.05 per pregnancy for the estrus group, compared to $22.29 for the CIDR group. But the CIDR heifers were inseminated 12 days earlier and pregnant eight days sooner.

“The feed costs were $82 for the estrus group versus $50 for the CIDR group,” Fricke says. “So, we’re actually $16.66 more profitable per pregnancy by being more aggressive with the heifers.”

For Fricke, how the numbers are presented is just as important as the results.

“Farmers will look at the upfront cost,” he says. “We need to show them this is an investment, not just a cost.”

Make Every Heifer Count

As herds rely on fewer replacement heifers, the stakes for getting each one pregnant at the right time are higher than ever. Every day a heifer remains open adds feed costs and can delay her entry into the milking herd, making careful management more critical.

“When I look at dairies, the low-hanging fruit now is the heifer side,” Fricke says. “Heifers are kind of out of sight, out of mind, but heifers are important.”

Fricke emphasizes success in heifer reproduction is no longer just about hitting pregnancy targets. It’s about making the most of each heifer and ensuring the herd stays on track. By understanding how protocols, semen type and timing interact, and by viewing upfront breeding costs as an investment rather than an expense, farms can protect their replacement strategy and improve profitability across the herd.

Managing Your Transition Pens May Be a Black and White Issue

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Times have changed in the dairy industry.

An industry that used to have most of its profitability model driven by milk production suddenly has been thrust into a new age.

One might argue a black and white age.

Drought, retirement and years of challenging beef markets has feedlots turning to America’s dairies for help. Opening up their coffers at an unprecedented level, all to answer the growing shortage of beef cattle inventories.

This new cash infusion has ushered in a new age for dairy producers. In this age up to 2/3 of their dairy cow’s annual profit could be driven not by milk, but by the type of calf she has on “Day 0" of that lactation.

(American Farm Bureau Federation)

According to CattleFax and the American Farm Bureau Federation America’s dairy farmers have embraced this new model. Purchases of beef semen by dairy producers has gone from 2 million units in 2014 to almost 10 million in 2024. There are even whispers of some dairies changing their business model from milk as a primary production goal. Instead thinking of it as a secondary by-product of a system made to make as many dairy-beef cross calves as quickly as possible.

This mentality shift means that some of our dairies will see upwards of 50 to 75% of their cattle receiving beef semen. Creating ever increasing numbers of cross calves while using cheaper semen often with better conception rates.

However, there appears to be unintended biologic side effects from this shift. One of which is a backup in our pre-fresh pens.

Talk to any dairy and they will share with you the story of the dairy-beef cross that is 8-10 days overdue. They’ll often ask me what should we be doing with these animals? A complex question and best handled on a case-by-case basis with your herd veterinarian.

But it’s not these outliers that are causing issues on our dairies.

It’s the less noticeable example. Cows are going 2-7 days over the 278-day gestation we’ve come to expect from our Holstein cattle. These cows put undue strain on our pre-fresh pens; designed for 45–60-day dry periods.

Prefresh groups can quickly backup with dry periods going >70 days and pre-fresh pens becoming over-crowded. These small changes in cow flow cause significant issues in the post-fresh pen; risking 2-3x increases in fresh cow disease.

Beef and dairy animal gestation lengths.

(ICBP)

According to ICBP, the largest Beef Genomics database in the world, in general our beef breeds can be expected to go 4-12 days past the expected 278-day gestation. If our industry wants to truly embrace this model, then we will need to adjust our management.

A good start is to work with your herd vet and stud to investigate your current gestational averages by semen type. If you identify problem sires you can consider shortening dry period length for the affected groups, change semen breed type, or examine expanding your facilities to accommodate the 6-20% increase in pen duration.

Also, keep your ears and eyes open. Researchers continue to identify genetic markers for determining gestational length. It’s not inconceivable that in the coming months to years these markers, or an index combining them, could be added to your bull proofs.

A Resilient Comeback: U.S. Bovine Semen Industry Sees Growth in 2024

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:19:02 GMT

After two years of declining sales, the bovine semen industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. Reports from both the dairy and beef semen sectors indicate increased sales in 2024, showing a promising trend that might not only match but potentially surpass the record levels seen in 2021. Jay Weiker, President of the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB), emphasizes the optimistic outlook for the industry, suggesting that if the current growth trajectory persists, new record sales could be on the horizon.

“Unit sales have not yet returned to the record levels of 2021. However, if the current trajectory continues, new records can be expected in the near future,” Weiker says.

In 2024, total unit sales increased by 4%, culminating in nearly 69 million units. This 2.7 million unit increase nearly compensates for the previous year’s decline. Moreover, the value of exported semen rose by over 6%, or roughly $20 million, establishing a new record of $326 million.

Dairy and Beef Segment Breakdown
The dairy sector, both in domestic sales and exports, saw a significant 4% growth compared to 2023. This equates to an additional 1.9 million units, summing up to 48.8 million units. Meanwhile, beef unit sales also increased by 4%, with over 850,000 additional units sold, reaching a total of 20 million units. Delving deeper, beef-on-dairy semen sales grew by about 317,000 units both in the U.S. and internationally, while beef-on-beef sales saw an increase of 408,000 units, reversing the decreasing trend of the past two years.

Global Adjustments and Shifts
Globally, dairy producers are recalibrating their reproductive strategies to maximize economic returns. They are now employing a mix of conventional, gender-selected dairy and beef semen to enhance their financial performance. In the U.S., this trend is visible in the shifting preferences for semen types. In 2024, gender-selected dairy semen led the pack with 9.9 million units, marking a 1.5 million unit increase.

The Rise of Heterospermic Semen
An intriguing development in 2024 is the surge in heterospermic beef product sales. Over 2.8 million units were sold, more than twice the numbers from 2023. Domestic sales dominated with 2.4 million units, making heterospermic beef the second largest beef semen category after Angus.

Domestic Market Dynamics
In the domestic market, dairy units increased by 5%, adding nearly 705,000 units, with the total market size reaching 16.2 million dairy units. The domestic beef units saw an overall increase of 304,000 units. The most notable domestic shift was towards gender-selected semen, rising by 1.5 million units or 18% and now comprising 61% of the dairy units used in the U.S.

Robust Global Demand
On the international front, U.S. bovine semen exports continue their upward trajectory despite economic and geopolitical challenges in major markets like China and Russia. Encouraging signs of recovery in Brazil, growth in Western Europe and Central Asia, and expanding opportunities in the Middle East and Africa reflect the global strength of the industry. Beef semen exports rose significantly and according to Dr. Sophie Eaglen, NAAB’s International Program Director, this stems from the increased demand from Brazil and China, alongside a growing number of smaller markets.

“This trend may be attributed to the global adoption of the beef-on-dairy strategy, which is gaining traction across diverse regions” Eaglen says.

The U.S. bovine semen industry has made a strong comeback in 2024. With positive trends in both domestic and international sales and the growing acceptance of innovative breeding strategies, the foundation is laid for future growth and advancements in livestock reproduction. As these trends continue, the industry stands on the verge of a promising era characterized by growth, innovation, and global expansion.

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At first glance, these two might just look like typical business partners, but peel back the layers, and it’s clear Tim Rauen and Kyle Demmer are more than just that.

“We’re coworkers, we’re partners and we’re best friends,” says Kyle Demmer, COO of GenoSource. “Pretty much everything we do, we kind of bounce ideas off each other and just feed off each other.”

Tim Rauen, CEO of GenoSource, and Kyle Demmer, COO of GenoSource, give a tour of their facilities where they milk 4,000 cows milk in a 90-stall rotary parlor. Their cows are milked 3x/day and average 90 lbs/day with a 4.5% Butterfat and a 3.5% Protein.

(Mike Byers )

It’s a partnership in every sense, but the dairy is also anything but typical.

GenoSource all started with a dream a decade ago; a dream to have a company created by dairy producers for dairy producers. The vision seemed simple but was complex in reality. The dairy farmers wanted to create a modern cow but one that excelled in a freestall environment, had fewer health issues and could convert feed at an efficient rate.

“And now we’re 10 years into this partnership and GenoSource, and I don’t think anyone would change a thing about it,” says Tim Rauen, CEO of GenoSource.

The partnership now involves 8 families, whom all have a love for Holsteins and share a goal of creating a more sustainable future for the next generation.

(GenoSource)

An Early Believer in Genomics
A decade into the partnership, GenoSource has grown into more than these families ever imagined. The partnership now involves eight families, who all love Holsteins and share a goal of creating a more sustainable future for the next generation.

“Being an early believer in genomics, I followed technology, graduated college in 2008, and I told myself we got to follow technology; we’ve got to lead technology for the industry, and we drove right into it,” Rauen says. “We had a lot of naysayers that said, ‘Hey, this isn’t going to work. You shouldn’t go this direction,’ but we did. We put our foot on the gas, and we put the hammer down with it.”

To achieve the highest possible results, GenoSource prides their operation on the integrity of their day-to-day work, their capability to fill the next industry-leading demand and the philosophy of breeding a more profitable cow by investing in some of the world’s greatest genetics. GenoSource believes that genetic advancement is what will help develop the ideal cow for the future.

(Russ Hnatusko )

By homing in on the genetics early on with genomic testing, it’s their ability to grasp onto a plethora of technologies that’s taken this dairy to the next level.

“From a genetics standpoint, we took the herd that we bought, we put embryos into them and ran an extensive embryo program from day one to roll the herd over to the kind of cows we believed in milking,” Rauen says. “We were milking 2,200 cows at the time, and when we came in to it, we were milking about 70 lb. per cow with a 3.4% butterfat and a 2.8% protein. So since then, we’re at 95 lb. per cow. We’re at a 4.6% fat in a 3.5% protein.”

A Growth Mindset
GenoSource expects to be milking 4,800 cows by next summer, as GenoSource excels at improving genetics, cow comfort, nutrition and management, all through technology.

“On the genetics side of things, I look at genomic testing, I look at IVF work,” Rauen says. “Then, I go into cow comfort. We utilize the tunnel ventilation side of things. I go into the parlor. There’s many tools inside the parlor that the technology has advanced over the years. And then on the management side, there’s many things from the database side of things and monitoring tools that are cow monitoring collars. There’s multiple levels of that. So, all four of those have many, many layers of technology, and I don’t think you can ignore any of those. And you just got to look at all of them and see how you can improve the herd.”

Barns Packed With Technology
Their barns are also packed with technology. The dairy installed tunnel ventilation and smart control in 2021, as the dairy was forced to rebuild after the devastating derecho tore through their farm in august of 2020.

“Prior to the derecho, we were looking at putting tunnel ventilation in,” Rauen says. “We were looking at adding another barn to the facility as we want to grow and melt more cows. And it was that time where when we had to do that remodel, it pretty much forced our hand and said, ‘Hey, let’s go get tunnel ventilation done to our barns.’”

The team decided to expand the barns to add additional rows, which Rauen says was a big change. And while it was frightening financially to make that decision, he’s glad they did.

New construction across GenoSource are signs of more progress underway today, with GenoSource in the middle of putting in a new methane digester, a new maternity barn and a dry cow calving facility.

(Mike Byers )

New Construction: Signs of More Progress Underway
Today, new construction at their dairy is a sign of more progress underway, with GenoSource in the middle of building a methane digester, as well as a new maternity barn.

“We’re also building a new dry cow calving facility. We feel it’s so important when these cows come out day one that everything’s done properly from the cleanliness to colostrum. And also taking care of that cow, so she’s ready to make milk for a full lactation,” Rauen says. “The barn is going to be fully ventilated and have a sprinkler system. There’s a lot of new ideas we’re putting into those facilities, because we’re always looking for ways to increase the cow comfort side of things.

With technology at their fingertips, GenoSource is constantly monitoring their operations.

(Russ Hnatusko )

Work Smarter, Not Harder
The progress hasn’t always been easy, but just look around GenoSource’s state-of-the-art facility, and you can see those investments are paying off.

“Sometimes you need to work smarter, not harder,” Demmer says. “We have the smart sort gate, we have the collars; it makes a lot of people’s jobs a lot easier, and you can be way better at your job.”

With tech like Farmfit, which helps them constantly monitor their animals, it’s that technology that helps the dairy produce a better a better environment for the cows, and it also helps them retain employees.

“Three years ago, we used to lock every all the cows up and give repro shots, vaccines, breed everything out here in the barns,” Demmer says. “Now, we never lock the cows up. We put them in the sort gate and let the cows come to us. As far as injuries and employee safety, it’s all huge. You don’t have to worry about chasing the cows around. I think there’s a huge cost savings, too, and it’s way safer for the cows and the people.”

Cow Comfort is Key
GenoSource has created an environment where these cows are content, which might be the biggest sign of success any dairy can have.

“Some things that excite me the most are the cows are happy,” Rauen says. “So, when you have happy cows, they help pay the bills, and you can come out here 365 days a year, and cows are out here making milk. I always have the motto, ‘you take care of the cows, they’ll take care of you.’”

A dairy that knows no limits, it’s embracing technology that’s allowing GenoSource create new opportunities on their farm.

“Honestly, technology helps you get through some of those challenges, and we’re able to pull the data from different things,” Rauen says. “I think we’re ready for the next 10 years.

That is why GenoSource is the 2024 Milk Business Leader in Technology Award winner.

Beef-on-Dairy: This Iowa Dairy's Strategic Approach for Success

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:20:00 GMT

The beef-on-dairy sector is booming – and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. What started as a trend more than a decade ago has quickly grown into a steady and reliable profit stream for dairy farmers across the country. Just ask Ted and Megan McAllister, part owners of McAllister Family Dairy, LLC., in New Vienna, Iowa.

Roughly six years ago, Ted and his brother, Rob, who co-owns the operation, decided to make a strategic investment in their herd’s reproductive program. Before this shift, the operation still relied heavily on herd bulls. Today, the farm utilizes 100% artificial insemination and has implemented genomic testing and Allflex activity monitors onto their 280-head herd of Holsteins and Jerseys. This significant shift in their breeding approach not only elevated their herd’s genetic potential, but also opened the door to using beef semen on some of their lower-performing cows

Betting on Beef-on-Dairy

With dairy bull calves fetching too little money to justify raising them, the McAllister’s saw using beef semen as a logical step to improve their operation’s profitability. By incorporating beef genetics, they could enhance the value of their bull calves, tapping into a more profitable beef market.

McAllister Family Dairy, LLC.

(McAllister Family Dairy, LLC.)

“But what really drove our decision to start incorporating beef semen into our breeding program was genomic testing,” Megan says. “We wanted to fully take advantage of that technology and create the best replacements possible. That meant managing our heifer inventory and not raising anything extra.”

With guidance from Dave Erf, a reproductive consultant from Zoetis, a genomic based breeding plan was put in place and today the McAllister’s use beef semen on 60% of their lactating animals and 25-30% of their heifers. This shift in their breeding strategy has made up the foundation of the farm’s current reproductive program.

Knowing Their Numbers

When the McAllister’s went all-in on beef-on-dairy, they recognized the importance of precisely managing their herd numbers. This required them to pinpoint exactly how many replacement calves were needed, determining how many first-calf heifers should join the milking herd, and calculating the ideal monthly cull rate.

“We ship our milk to Prairie Farms and operate within their base system,” Ted notes. “So, we are kind of capped on the amount of milk we can produce. That means we only need to create a few replacements each month for the herd to remain at its current size.”

Knowing they were limited on the amount of milk they could produce, the McAllister’s worked alongside Dave to create a yearly genetic audit to help give them a better snapshot of their genetic progress. Through this audit, they set targets to produce about 12 heifer calves monthly while maintaining a 30% cull rate and keeping 30% of the herd as first-calf heifers.

“We really look forward to that audit each year because it allows us to see if we are hitting our benchmarks,” Megan says. “It’s fascinating seeing those numbers and it allows us to be really picky with which animals we are choosing to make replacements from.”

In addition to tracking genetic progress, the audit and genomic results enable the team to make more precise breeding decisions. Using these insights, the McAllister’s select replacements who are expected to be the most profitable in the lactating herd. This strategy allows them to prioritize cows with strong longevity and productivity, while reserving beef semen for animals less likely to stay in the herd long-term.

“When we know an animal is going to get bred to beef, we try to pick angus beef sires that have higher fertility and better calving ease traits,” Ted adds. “We have a steady flow of elite replacements being born each month, and the beef-on-dairy calves make up the rest.”

Megan notes that no matter if the calf is a crossbred or a future replacement, every calf gets treated the same.

McAllister Family Dairy, LLC.

(McAllister Family Dairy, LLC.)

“Everything gets two feedings of colostrum before being switched to milk replacer,” she says. “We raise these calves for about 1-2 weeks then sell them at our local sale barn. We’ve been really happy with how these calves have turned out and what they are selling for.”

Adding Another Profit Line

For the McAllister’s, incorporating beef-on-dairy has been a financial game-changer for their operation. This has especially held true over the past 12-24 months as beef prices have seen a significant increase.

McAllister Family Dairy, LLC.

(McAllister Family Dairy, LLC.)

“We wouldn’t be where we are at today without these beef-on-dairy calves,” Megan says. “They’re easily our third largest source of income behind milk and cull cows. From our perspective, we have to breed cows anyway, so you might as well make more profitable calves – and it’s certainly working for us.”

Labor savings has also been a significant benefit. Raising fewer replacement heifers has reduced labor demands in the calf barn and has freed up pen space for older heifers animals.

“We only rely on a few outside people for help,” Ted notes. “Otherwise, it’s just the three of us running the ship. Having fewer calves to take care of and less overcrowded pens to manage has really helped us from a labor standpoint.”

This shift in management has allowed the McAllister’s to concentrate more on raising high-quality replacements for their future milking herd while also saving some time.

“Our time is our most valuable asset,” Megan adds. “Spending less time caring for calves has freed up some hours for other parts of our life – whether it’s focusing on a different area of the farm or having a little extra time for ourselves. That time saved is invaluable.”

A Look at the Market Ahead

McAllister Family Dairy, LLC.

(McAllister Family Dairy, LLC.)

From coast-to-coast, dairy producers like the McAllister’s have capitalized on the high prices beef-on-dairy calves have provided. And according to Dr. Woerner, animal and food science professor at Texas Tech University, these prices are likely to remain elevated for the foreseeable future.

“Beef-on-dairy calves have contributed tremendously to the bottom lines of the dairies producing them. And the good news is that the forecast looks really good for that trend to continue,” Woerner explains. “This is primarily because of the shortage in traditional beef cattle numbers. But beyond that, beef-on-dairy cattle have carved out a stable, respected place in the market, proving their value to both buyers and packers.”

With ongoing extreme drought conditions and feed shortages affecting various parts of the country, Woerner notes that the native cattle herd is unlikely to rebound any time soon.

“Most models suggest we’re looking at a minimum of three years before a significant rebuild begins, with some projections extending up to five years,” Woerner adds. “For dairy farmers, this means that every straw of beef semen used on a dairy cow today will likely yield calves that continue to bring premium prices over the next few years.”

Woerner also highlights that the demand for beef-on-dairy calves isn’t solely due to the shortage in traditional beef cattle. Some of their popularity also stems from their carcass quality and sustainability impacts.

“These animals are entering the market steadily and have become highly efficient in the feedlot, with nearly all grading choice or higher,” Woerner says. “Packers are paying attention to that. Additionally, the beef-on-dairy crossbred offers a unique advantage for companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint, as these animals are among the easiest options for carbon accounting and securing carbon credits. This sustainability factor is significant; in fact, it may be the very reason these cattle continue to command high prices, even as the beef cattle supply eventually rebounds.”

While it’s clear that beef-on-dairy crossbreds offer substantial benefits to both packers and dairy producers alike, Woerner points out one notable drawback: a higher incidence of liver abscesses.

“The one major downside to these crossbred cattle is still the liver abscess issue,” Woerner says. “They are a costing packers time and money for them to deal with. But there is so much research being done, so the presence of liver abscesses in these cattle should improve as time goes on. And if we’re able to get the level of liver abscesses down to that of the conventional population, then I truly believe these cattle could be in higher demand than native beef.”

A Lasting Strategy

For the McAllister’s, incorporating a beef-on-dairy into their breeding program has been a transformative aspect to their operation. From increasing profitability to cutting down on labor needs, the benefits of crossbreds have been plentiful. And when asked if they would consider discontinuing it, their answer was a definitive “no.”

“It fits into our plan so perfectly,” Megan says. “I couldn’t imagine dairy farming today without it.”

Woerner believes this sentiment rings true for dairies across the nation, as beef-on-dairy continues to prove its value in both the beef and dairy industries.

“It’s proving to be more than just a trend—it’s becoming an essential part of the model for dairies and a critical piece of the future for both sectors,” Woerner says. “I’m confident that beef-on-dairy is here to stay.”

Social

Follow the McAllister family’s journey by connecting with Megan on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @Megan_DairyGirl

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Beef-on-Dairy: How to Make Successful Semen Selection Strategies

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:09:42 GMT

Today’s dairy farmers aren’t just bringing milk, cheese and butter to the table – they’re also bringing beef. And, it’s adding some serious value to their operations.

With week-old beef-on-dairy calves fetching nearly $1,000 in some parts of the country, prices are turning heads and calves are turning profits, pushing producers to prioritize their beef-on-dairy mating selections. And with crossbred calf prices through the roof, making the right beef semen selection has the potential to push those sky-high prices even higher.

Robert Weber, professor and department head for the Eastern Kansas Research and Extension Center at Kansas State University, highlights three considerations every dairy farmer should keep in mind before selecting semen for their beef-on-dairy program:

Understand Industry Dynamics – As market conditions and consumer demands evolve, producers should align their beef-on-dairy mating programs with current and anticipated market needs. This alignment can be achieved by partnering with genetics consultants, utilizing specialized mating decision tools, and staying informed on industry trends.

“In the past, there has been limited knowledge of beef-on-dairy pairing criteria,” Weber says. “Genetic companies saw the need for a better selection index to accommodate this production model. More research has been conducted to refine beef bull trait criteria, particularly for dairy cows, and create a beef-on-dairy sire directory and customized selection index.”

He recommends collaborating closely with your semen provider to understand what tools are available to make the most informed decisions possible.

Map It Out - Just like any breeding program, your beef-on-dairy mating decisions should align with ‘big-picture’ goals of your farm.

“Consider the specific breeding objectives of your operation,” Weber says. “Are the primary goals centered around maximizing milk production, ensuring high fertility rates or perhaps both? Dairy semen is the preferred option if the aim is to maintain or enhance dairy-specific traits such as milk yield and production of replacement females. On the other hand, if the focus is on enhancing growth rates, feed efficiency, improving carcass quality and aligning with market demands favoring beef characteristics, opting for beef semen is a more viable option.”

Evaluate Traits – When making mating decisions, producers will often turn their focus toward the traits certain sires possess. However, Weber says it’s imperative not to overlook the valuable contributions of the dam.

“Advancements in breeding practices have debunked the misconception that using beef semen adversely affects milk production,” he explains. “Producers no longer have to stick to the old rule of using beef semen only on their lowest performing cows. Instead, they can customize their breeding plans and choose beef traits and bulls/breeds that excel in those areas which complement Holstein and Jersey’s genetic potential for marbling and consistency.”

To optimize crossbred calves, producers should establish specific criteria for selecting dams before breeding a dairy animal with beef semen. Consider factors such as the number of calvings, genetic merit, production records, and genomic testing results. Sire traits to select for include frame size, muscling, ribeye area and calving ease. This approach ensures that only the most suitable dams and sires are chosen for crossbreeding, ultimately maximizing the value of their beef-on-dairy program.

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Health Traits Have Genetic Heritability in Calves

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:32:06 GMT

In the quest to raise healthy, productive, profitable calves comes an emerging element: genetics.

Along with the myriad factors dairy producers embrace to raise the healthiest potential offspring, there is growing evidence that calves can inherit disease resistance from their parents. Thus, traits for resistance to diseases like pneumonia and scours may become an increasingly important factor in dairy genetic selection, according to Dr. Isaac Haagen, Assistant Professor of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota.

Haagen shared his thoughts on dairy calf genetic health traits on a recent episode of The Dairy Podcast Show. He discussed data that he gathered during his graduate studies at Pennsylvania State University, which encompassed 15 organic dairy herds from across the United States, ranging in size from about 30 cows to several thousand.

Specifically, he merged the calf health data from those herds, which was gathered via a variety of herd software platforms. Then, using traditional pedigree analysis and a limited amount of genomic data, he was able to determine that, based on that data set, health traits in calves are heritable to a degree similar to more widely monitored traits like Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) and Productive Life – generally, about 5-10%.

Haagen said that rate is similar to the heritability reported by Zoetis for the Calf Wellness Index^TM (CW$^TM) in their Clarifide® Plus genomic test. The Clarifide Calf Wellness Index encompasses traits for respiratory disease, scours, and calf livability.

A Canadian study recently published in the Journal of Dairy Science further supports the notion that calf diseases can be controlled in part via genetic selection. In that study, records from more than 62,000 dairy calves from 1,617 Canadian herds spanning 2006-2021 were evaluated.

The Canadian researchers found that heritability for respiratory disease and diarrhea ranged from 2-7%. They also discovered that calves born to the bottom 10% of sires for the traits were 1.8 times more likely to develop respiratory disease, and 1.9 times more likely to develop diarrhea, compared to daughters born to the top 10% of sires.

That group advocated for a national recording system to allow for national genetic evaluation, a concept that Haagen also supports in the United States. He said the evidence is strong enough to make the argument for a calf health specific index among the national traits evaluated by the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding.

“While 5-10% heritability is a relatively small number, we know from other health traits that even that small number can have an impact over many generations,” Haagen stated.

He added that with any selection index, “we’re really selecting for profitability. With heifer replacement costs generally running as the second or third highest expense on farms, there is value in selecting for healthier animals that are expected to live longer.”

An interesting and related factor in Haagen’s research was an analysis he ran on serum total protein (STP) as a health measure. His findings indicated that, in addition to crucial factors like colostrum delivery, STP also is a heritable trait in calves.

“We found that calves differ in their ability to acquire passive immunity,” he stated. When he and his colleagues separated animals according to breeding value for STP, they found that 4-6% more of the heifer calves in the top quartile would remain in the herd at one year of age compared to the worst calves.

Haagen is continuing his research on calf health genetic traits using 20 years’ worth of data on more than 6,000 calves from commercial Minnesota dairy herds. He hopes the longer range of that data will help him extrapolate lifetime performance evidence related to genetic factors for calves, providing yet more proof of the link between the two.

Embryo Surrogacy – The Next Dairy Niche?

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:50:18 GMT

From composted manure and beef-cross calves to methane-powered electricity and renewable natural gas, dairies continue to explore paths to garner bonus revenue beyond the traditional cash crop of milk.

The latest idea may be another collaboration between dairy producers and their beef cattle brethren: embryo surrogacy. Or stated another way, renting out uteruses.

“Right now, there are so many more embryos sitting in tanks than sitting in cows,” declared show stock photographer J. Brad Hook of Humeston, Iowa, host of the “ Genuine JBH ” podcast. Hook lamented that in the beef cattle show stock world, breeders have made remarkable strides in genetic analysis and mating that consistently produce excellent offspring. But what has not kept up with the breakneck pace of genetic progress and embryo development is the recipients in which to put them.

Hook explained that the supply of embryos has far outstripped the availability of beef recipient animals, especially in today’s high-dollar-value beef industry. “Recip” cows currently are extremely expensive to purchase. Custom beef recipient herds are largely booked, and also have increased their prices considerably due to the value of the animals. Today, the average take-home cost of an embryo born to a beef recipient is $4,000-$5,000 per calf, not even counting the price of the embryos.

Enter the humble dairy cow. She has to have a calf every year anyway, and in many cases, she may not be a chosen dam to create a replacement heifer for the dairy. So why not put a beef embryo in her, with a guaranteed price over market value for the calf?

That’s exactly what Lynchburg, Ohio club calf breeder Jake Osborn is doing. Osborn and his son, Wyatt, are partnering with an 800-cow Ohio dairy to bring to life the overflowing supply of embryos that are sitting in their tanks and others’ across the country. Last year they started with 9 embryos that resulted in 6 live births. But next year Osborn Show Cattle plans to produce about 150 calves via surrogate dairy dams.

“The appealing part about this situation is that the dairy is able to synch up a large number of recips at the same time,” noted Osborn. “You can get a whole string of calves from the same mating, born within just a few days of each other.”

Osborn said the attention to breeding details and readiness of dairy dams also results in considerably higher conception rates at the dairy. “At my place, a 20-30% conception rate on embryos was pretty common, which is not real conducive to making money,” he shared. “Currently, we’re running 55-70% conception in the dairy cows, which is way better on IVF embryos than I’ll ever do at my house.”

And the calves themselves? Hook attested that when he viewed Osborn’s spring sale calf line-up this year, he couldn’t tell them apart from the dam-reared calves in terms of growth and conformation. Osborn noted that the quality of the calves was due largely to the efforts of an excellent caretaker at the dairy. Ultimately, he worked out an arrangement to pay her a bonus on the embryo calves based on their sale price.

Another benefit was the disposition of those show calves. Purchasing families were delighted to take home animals that were broke to lead and tame and ready to go. “You can buy one for your 10-year-old and not have to worry about them getting hurt,” shared Osborn. “They’re a lot different than a calf that has been at the side of a normal recip cow.”

For the dairy, the value lies in the premium price they are paid for the calves, which Osborn said is above the healthy $800-900-per-head price they are currently receiving for their own beef-cross calves. The dairy owns the embryo calves until weaning at 60-90 days, then sells them back to the embryo contractor.

In further collaboration with the dairy, Osborn also plans to put embryos into cows identified on the cull list. After dry-off at the dairy, they will be sold at a premium price over cull value and raise their embryo calf, plus a couple more grafted onto them.

Looking forward, Hook and Osborn noted even more related business opportunities, such as custom raisers who would take the embryo calves at birth and rear them specifically into show cattle. The ability of dairy cows to calve out beef embryos also may be an avenue for purebred beef breeders to create more offspring. Plus, it could help rebuild the commercial beef cattle herd in the U.S., which is currently at its smallest size in more than 70 years.

“Not everyone is going to be good at this,” Osborn stated. “It really takes a special dairy – someone who knows a lot about nutrition and management, and really cares about calves.”

Survey: Beef-Cross Calves Need Better Implant, Breeding Strategies

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:37:38 GMT

What started out as somewhat of an experiment less than a decade ago has now become a standard of the U.S. cattle industry. All signs would indicate that the beef-dairy crossbred animal is here to stay.

Recognizing the unique characteristics and production channels of these calves, researchers at Iowa State University conducted a survey of producers involved in their rearing. Funded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Beef Checkoff, the study was conducted to:

(1) Learn about management practices employed by dairy producers and calf ranches who raise beef-cross calves; and

(2) Learn about challenges related to finishing beef-cross calves from the perspective of commercial feedlot operators.

On the calf-rearing side, responses were submitted by 11 producers who raise more than 21,000 dairy or beef-cross calves annually. Five were current dairy producers, while the rest were speciliazed calf raisers.

All but one of the 11 calf raisers had ongoing knowledge of colostrum feeding and/or tested incoming calves routinely for passive transfer of immunity. The single producer who did not have confirmed colostrum status purchased calves from auctions.

The calf raisers indicated a need for additional research on reducing liver abscesses; sire genetics and selection; starting calves to prevent sickness; weather impact on starting calves; nutrition plans; improving carcass cutout; impact of stress events; and prevention on treatment of mycoplasma.

On the feedlot side, 21 cattle feeders replied, most of whom had experience raising full-blood beef, dairy, and beef-cross calves.

Of particular interest was the disparity between the size of the animals when they entered the feedlot stage. The producers reported the average weight of beef calves entering the feeding stage was 613 pounds, compared to an average in-weight for beef-cross calves of 372 pounds.

The feeders’ experience also pointed to the superior carcass performance of beef-cross calves. They reported an average of 13% of beef-cross animals grading Prime, compared to an industry average of 7.54% reported in the most recent National Beef Quality Audit. They also reported an average of 22% of beef-cross calves produced Yield Grade 1, versus a 6.77% national average.

The ISU researchers noted a wide variation in implant strategies for beef-cross calves, which they suggested could use some fine-tuning. “In theory, there should be a different implant protocol for BXD compared to beef cattle due to differences in days on feed, marbling genetic merit, and traditional muscle size and shape,” they stated.

Feeders also expressed a desire for improved education regarding beef semen selection, particularly focused on choosing sires that promote feedlot performance and high-quality carcass finish. “Additional research is needed to select the ideal beef bulls based on growth, performance, and carcass merit without compromising calving ease,” the ISU researchers noted.

The study’s complete report can be accessed here .

Sexten: Lessons From the Dairy Industry

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:57:52 GMT

You will be hard pressed to find a current beef publication that doesn’t reference beef on dairy calves somewhere in the copy as the number of dairy cows bred to elite beef producing bulls continues to grow. The ability to produce a steady and sufficient supply of elite dairy replacement heifers has been enabled by two technologies widely adopted in the dairy industry: genomic testing and sexed semen. The widescale use of these technologies offers a window into the future of the beef production system.

A recent article₁ in Frontiers from George Wiggans and Jose Carrillo at the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding reviewed the impact of genomic testing in dairy cattle genetic improvement. This review and the associated changes in the dairy production model highlight the ability to change selection focus when we expand beyond simply using bulls as the source of genetic improvement.

Since 2011, the number of dairy cows evaluated using genetic testing has doubled every five years to exceed one million annually. Don’t miss that the use of genetic testing is doubling in COWS. Growth in the use among sires is flat, as less than 1% of sires used in dairy matings are not genetically tested. Since genetic testing for dairy sires is table stakes, this has enabled the reduction in the sire generation interval to the point where genetic improvement is occurring at the biological limit.

Knowing the individual genetic merit of the cow herd enables the strategic mating of tested cows to either produce dairy replacements or be mated to beef sires. With the advancement of sexed semen further specialization is enabled, as the by-product of targeted matings is virtually eliminated.

Beef producers are now competing with a dairy whose by-product is feeder calves. The characteristics of this by-product address three key challenges of the native beef supply chain: eliminating seasonality of supply, easily sourced in load lots and uniform management despite individual sorting early in life. While there is much attention to beef from dairy cows, the percentage of the beef supply chain originating from dairies hasn’t changed nearly as much as the genetic potential of the cattle themselves.

Imagine a production system where sire genetic improvement is occurring at the biological limit coupled with a cow herd that that turns over every four years. Despite dairy cows being productive for about half as long as a beef cow, genetic testing in dairy herds exceeds that of beef herds. The dairy model has moved their genetic focus from selecting replacements from a system to creating the replacements needed for their system.

The Net Merit score is an index used in the dairy industry to implement genetic selection of replacements. How would you weight the following areas if designing the net merit index: milk yield, milk components, health, longevity, reproduction, efficiency, and physical characteristics?

The article from the Council on Dairy Cattle breeding1 outlined the weighting of the current net merit index: milk components (48.3%), longevity (20.8%), efficiency (13.2%), reproduction (9.6%), health (4%), physical characteristics of feet and udder (3.8%) and finally milk yield (0.3%). Anyone else surprised the lowest category of emphasis is milk yield? Perhaps dairies have reached the limit on milk yield. A similar case could be made for weaning weight and milk production in the beef herd where we are limited more by the environment than genetic potential for productivity.

The emphasis on milk components suggests making progress enhancing the composition of milk is more important than total yield. From a beef production perspective carcass merit would be similar to component improvement. There are few beef selection indexes where the composition of carcass gain is more important than the gain itself. Cattle feeders recently proved with cheap feed and days on feed beef carcasses weights can be increased to record levels, perhaps it’s time to change focus to ribeye area and marbling.

The ability to select for longevity, efficiency, and reproduction is not limited to dairy cows. Beef producers have genomic tools available today to make genetic progress in all these areas, yet few operations have adopted genomic testing for any traits. In an industry where feed costs make up the greatest percentage of operating costs and reproduction is the most important production trait; we should not continue to ignore the tools available to make progress in these areas. Beef producers can select replacements designed for our production systems before ever turning out a bull.

Some suggest the dairy model doesn’t apply to beef systems due to the diverse environment. Every cow herd has environmental constraints that limit stocking rate comparable to the limited number of parlor spots in a dairy. If you are trying to optimize the production of beef per acre is a replacement selection model where keeping the biggest and oldest heifer calves with little knowledge of their genetic merit or variation within those females the best way to optimize the land resource?

(Farm Journal)

Beef-on-Dairy: Why Feedlots Crave This Important Information

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:37:24 GMT

Within the last five years, the number of purebred dairy animals that have passed through feedlots has shrunk drastically. What used to be a purebred Holstein steer has now become a beef-on-dairy cross, and it’s estimated almost 23% of the total number of fed steers and heifers within the U.S. are actually coming from dairies.

According to Dr. Aimee Halfa, a beef innovation lead at Cargill, there are several reasons why these beef-on-dairy animals have seen explosive growth. One of the biggest spurs from the severe drought that has blanketed most of the Midwest, which in turn has forced herd reductions amongst the beef industry.

With the conventional beef herd currently in a liquidation phase, feeder calf prices have skyrocketed, triggering a supply and demand issue between the beef industry and feedlots. Dairy producers, however, have helped fill the pipeline by producing beef-on-dairy calves, and have turned a hefty profit in doing so.

Feedlots and Consumers Crave Knowledge

Not only have beef-on-dairy animals proven their worth within the beef supply chain system, they’ve also won over consumers with their overall consistency.

“The beef industry has always been segmented and variable,” Halfa told the audience during the Dairy Strong conference held in Green Bay, Wis. “We have cattle that originate from variable genetics, different production systems and different environments. All of this is feeding into a system where our customers and consumers want to be able to purchase a steak, hamburger or whatever kind of beef product they want and have the same eating experience every single time. Additionally, they want to know exactly how that animal was raised. This is where dairy can contribute nicely to our system.”

According to Halfa, beef-on-dairy cross animals work well in the beef industry because they are so uniform. And because of this, dairy farmers have the opportunity to contribute quality beef to the pipeline while also turning a sizeable profit. To do so, however, requires producers and feedlots to breed and feed these animals efficiently. And as beef-on-dairy animals within the feedlot system continue to rise, feedlots are craving two key pieces of information to help ensure these crossbred cattle thrive.

Health Records

No matter what age beef-on-dairy animals are sold, buyers want to see that the animals they are purchasing were well cared for. In particular, feedlots are looking for beef-on-dairy animals who were given colostrum, vaccinated and who have been exposed to a minimum amount of stress.

“One thing we’ve known for a while in the beef cattle industry is that disease, specifically respiratory disease, has a big impact on animal performance and carcass quality,” Halfa says. “Knowing when and what vaccinations or antibiotics were used along with having information on any health events is really valuable data to pass along.”

By knowing the animal’s health status before it enters, feedlots can make more informed treatment decisions and better understand a specific animal’s performance metrics.

Nutrition Records

When a beef-on-dairy calf makes its way to the feedlot, the transition can be a stressful one. Just the dietary changes alone can be a challenge, Halfa notes.

“One area I see some operations struggle with is the transition from a calf grain to a feedlot TMR,” she says. “This is a really challenging point in these animals lives and when it’s not done correctly, you can really miss out on some good performance during a time when you should be capturing great feed efficiency and gain.”

To help make the transition a bit smoother, Halfa recommends dairy producers provide feedlots with the nutritional information of beef-on-dairy calves sold after weaning.

“Providing feedlots with previous diet information along with when the animal was weaned are two excellent pieces of data to pass along,” Halfa says. “Bonus points should be given to producers who track an animal’s average daily gain. Communicating that captured level of information can be really helpful for the next person feeding those animals.”

Additional Areas to Focus On

Besides providing health and nutritional information, Halfa says there are several other ways dairy producers can work to keep the buyers of their beef-on-dairy animals happy.

Communication - Regardless of who you are selling your animals to, communication and a well-established relationship will always be essential.

“Ask questions, get feedback and make improvements,” Halfa says. “People who are feeding or buying your cattle love to get information on the animals they are purchasing, and its valuable information dairy producers can provide. Prioritizing communication is an excellent way to help secure future business relations.”

Traceability – Knowing exactly how and where an animal was raised can be a big-ticket advantage for feedlots looking to buy animals who are predictable and consistent. According to Halfa, this is an area where dairy producers excel.

“When it comes to traceability, the beef industry has a lot of hurdles. The dairy industry, however, has a great opportunity to provide a traceable beef product much easier and quicker,” she says.

Dairy farmers are no strangers to providing quick and accurate information. In turn, not only does this help supply buyers with valuable information, but it also opens doors of opportunity to increase market access and build up your farm’s reputation of producing high-quality animals.

Metrics = Money

Whether you are selling your beef-on-dairy animals to a private buyer or a commercial feedlot, knowing the specific data points these buyers are looking for can help bring additional value to the animals you bring to market. Failing to pass this information along could be cause you to leave extra dollars on the table.

“Beef-on-dairy animals have the potential to add quality cattle to our fed beef supply,” Halfa says. “If you are going to look at breeding dairy animals to beef, it’s important to understand the metrics behind how these animals should be handled and fed within feedlots in order to sell them for a healthy alternative income stream.”

For more on beef-on-dairy, read:

How to Increase the Marketability of Beef-on-Dairy Calves

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Many farms have become more innovative over the past few years by implementing beef genetics into their breeding programs. There have been two main advantages to adopting beef on dairy: management of replacement numbers and increased market value of the calves leaving the farm. A Wisconsin study found that 65% of the farmers surveyed sell their dairy beef crosses within the first week of birth, while 12.5% raised them to finish. No matter when beef cross calves are being marketed, steps can be taken to make them more marketable.

Don’t Skip Day One of Calf Care

The calves are not staying on the farm, but they should be treated like any other replacement animal. Dip navels with 7% iodine, administer proper vaccinations, and feed high-quality colostrum. Colostrum should be greater than 50 IgG to be considered high quality. Some farms have concerns about using their high quality colostrum on calves that may leave the farm. Many farms have had luck keeping their colostrum stocked by saving 50 to 70 lgG colostrum for market calves and greater than 70 for replacement heifers. Just like with replacement heifers, ensure colostrum is fed within a couple of hours of birth.

Track Calf Growth

For those marketing weaned calves, track average daily gain. Calves should have an average daily gain of approximately 1.5 lbs per day or double their birth weight by 8 weeks of age. Tracking weights weekly by using a weigh tape or portable scale will help determine whether these goals will be met. Collecting calf weights will also help determine when to vaccinate. Respiratory vaccinations should be given between 400 and 500 pounds. Ensure vaccinations are given at least two weeks before being transported from the farm.

Keep Health Records

Health records are extremely important when selling calves to a private buyer or through a contract. No matter what age the calves are marketed, buyers want to see that the calves are well cared for. Keep track of and provide vaccination and processing records. Signs of navel infections and respiratory disease will decrease the calf’s value. By collecting passive transfer for each calf, the farm can prove that the calves were given high-quality colostrum to set them up for future success. Being able to prove that providing the buyer with healthy calves by providing health records and sound calves will make your calves more marketable.

For more on beef-on-dairy, read:

Dairy and Beef: A Merger of Many Merits

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:57:29 GMT

Beef-on-dairy breeding is a phenomenon that has boomed at a breathtaking pace in the United States, according to Dr. Zeb Gray, Technical Feedlot Specialist for Diamond V.

Gray, who has deep roots in beef production, from the cow-calf phase through post-harvest meat science, said the practice is changing the landscape of the U.S. beef industry – probably permanently.

Data from the National Association of Animal Breeders indicates beef genetics are being swapped for dairy semen at an impressive clip. From 2018-2022, beef semen sales in the United States rose by about 5 million doses, while sales of dairy semen dropped by nearly an identical number.

All the while, the size of the U.S. dairy cow herd remained steady at about 9 million head – an indication that the shift is due largely to the growing adoption of beef-on-dairy breeding.

Gray said that although there have been growing pains, the beef cross calves have been well received by both feedlots and packers. “Feedlots are like hotels,” he explained. “The only way they work financially is if their pens are full. The same is true for packers, whose profitability depends on their maximization of throughput every day.”

He noted the steady, year-round availability of beef cross calves is a game-changer in terms of animal procurement. “It’s always been a challenge for feedyards to keep full pens of consistent cattle year-around, and particularly now with our shrinking native beef herd,” stated Gray. “Calves born on dairies not only offer that consistency, but they are simply age- and source-verified and can provide a complete history of every animal, for which consumers are increasingly clamoring.”

Feedlots, packers, and branded beef programs see working with large dairies as an opportunity to build a reliable source of calves that check all the boxes. It proves to be much easier to work with a handful of large dairies to secure these calves in just a few transactions, versus dealing with a couple hundred ranches and having to buy in much smaller lots.

But for all of its merits, this rapidly evolving production path is not without some speed bumps. The new demand to procure beef cross calves has led to a common occurrence where freshly weaned, very young cattle weighing as little as 250 pounds enter commercial feedyards.

“When it comes to rumen development, there’s no replacement for time,” Gray stated. “Those calves are at a considerable disadvantage compared to their full-blood beef counterparts who are on a partial milk diet for up to 6 months and learn to eat forage gradually alongside their mothers.” He added feedstuff availability in cattle-feeding country and feedyard logistics are often not conducive to including optimal levels of roughage in young calves’ diets.

So, what can dairies and calf ranches do to boost the health and performance of beef cross calves before they graduate to the feedlot? Gray offered 3 suggestions:

Prioritize critical colostrum – Even if beef cross calves spend less than a day at their dairy of origin, nothing can replace the myriad benefits of colostrum that will carry through their entire productive lives. Setting every calf up for success with colostrum delivery within the first 4 hours of birth is the single most important measure in ensuring calf welfare and preventing morbidity and mortality.
Focus on nutrition -- There is a growing body of research-based evidence that feeding feedlot-bound calves higher volumes (example: 6 quarts per day) of higher-protein milk replacer (example: 25-27%) results in better-gaining, more robust calves at weaning and beyond. Work with a nutritionist who can help develop both liquid and solid ration formulations, as well as advise inclusion of proven feed additives to support calf health.
Consider retained ownership – Owning beef cross calves longer – possibly all the way to market – may help dairies expand profit centers beyond milk production, and reap the benefits of investments like feeding calves more nutrient-dense – but also more costly – preweaning rations. It also could allow for a potential backgrounding phase that might help calves transition more smoothly into the feedyard at higher ages and weights.

Gray said the meteoric growth of beef-on-dairy breeding has led to a lag in research that could eventually drive best practices for raising these unique animals. Namely, he said more work needs to be done to discover solutions to the critical issue of liver abscesses in beef cross cattle, along with better-defined nutritional and management approaches to optimize their health and performance.

“The dairy industry has driven this fundamental change thanks to precise reproductive strategies based on genomics, breeding efficiency, and sexed semen. Without them, we wouldn’t have these new opportunities on the beef side,” Gray declared. “I think there is a lot we can continue to learn from each other.”

Rapidly Growing Beef-on-Dairy Segment Holds Promise for All Stakeholders

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:53:39 GMT

While America’s dairymen are rapidly embracing beef-on-dairy breeding programs, cattle feeders are learning to embrace cope with both the opportunities and challenges the new crossbreds represent.

For instance, black-hided cattle at the bunks are a dramatic change for Arizona cattle feeder Paul Heiden.

“We have been 100 percent Holstein yard the last 20 years,” Heiden says. “Now we are feeding a growing percentage of cattle that are Angus x Holstein.”

The switch was due to both the benefits of the crossbreds and also availability.

“Over half the calves offered at the auction we use in California are beef-on-dairy crossbreds,” he says.

Future Expectations

Indeed, beef-on-dairy is arguably the most significant advancement for America’s beef industry in a generation, and many believe it has been significant enough that it may alter the cyclical impact the beef industry is experiencing from drought-forced herd reductions. For instance, Patrick Linnell, analyst for CattleFax says his group estimates the industry will produce 2.92 million beef-on-dairy calves this year and 3.22 million in 2024. (See chart.) Some industry observers believe those estimates may be conservative.

“We expect the adoption of beef genetics in dairy breeding programs will accelerate as producers capitalize on the opportunity for improved margins, particularly given the reduction in beef calf availability,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist for CoBank. “And while the impact on the overall beef supply will be relatively small, an increase in beef and dairy crossbred calves entering the beef supply chain is something cattle feeders and packers will want to keep an eye on.”

Regardless of the exact number, Dale Woerner, animal and food science professor at Texas Tech University, says, “the number will continue to grow as the beef cow herd shrinks.”

That’s due, primarily, to the growing acceptance of beef-on-dairy calves by both cattle feeders and beef packers, and the realities of empty pens and shackle space the industry faces over the next few years.

Financial Gains

“Right now, everybody needs cattle,” says Jared Wareham, North America NuEra Business Development Manager at Genus ABS. “The beef-on-dairy crosses, especially the good ones, are in high demand.”

For dairies, the financial benefits of the crossbred calves is immediate. On average, day-old beef and dairy crossbred calves sell for $100-$300 more than their 100% dairy-bred counterparts.

“Yes, they cost more,” Heiden says, “but you make it up in feedyard performance, and they are generally healthier calves.”

Heiden says the beef-on-dairy crossbreds also produce better beef yields, a key benefit as all of his yard’s cattle are sold to JBS on a carcass basis.

Select Sires Announces Merger, Four Cooperatives Will Now Become One

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:06:59 GMT

Recently, the board of directors from Select Sires four individual cooperatives voted unanimously to merge together as one full-service A.I. cooperative representing 25 U.S. states and the country of Mexico. The four cooperatives that will make up this merger are:

All West/Select Sires
COBA/Select Sires
Select Sires MidAmerica
Minnesota/Select Sires

The new cooperative, Select Sires Member Cooperative (SSMC), will go into effect on October 1, 2023.

“As a supporter of cooperatives, my goal was to help create something that would allow us to always remain a member-owned cooperative. We would be nothing without our members,” said Brett Gibbons, President of Select Sires MidAmerica, in a company press release. “This merger allows us to do just that, and from the beginning, it was evident that all of us wanted the same thing. This process was successful because of the unity shared amongst co-ops and more importantly, the general managers.”

Select Sires states that this merger process has been board led with directors feeling that this is the next logical step in an ever-evolving industry.

“We have four cooperatives that are in a strong financial position and have chosen to take a very proactive course to ensure that our members will continue to receive the top-level products and services that they’ve always enjoyed,” said Chad Steinberger, COBA/Select Sires President.

Chris Sigurdson, current General Manager of COBA/Select Sires and Minnesota/Select Sires, has been selected to serve as the chief executive officer of Select Sires Member Cooperative.

“There is so much synergy between the boards and Chris Sigurdson, as well as fellow current General Managers, Devin Albrecht and Rory White. This has been true ever since we began this process,” said Jerry Lanting, All West/Select Sires President. “We, as chairmen of each cooperative, have had in-depth discussions with all of them, and can confirm that they are excited to work together to make the cooperative even better for the members.”

The company states that the headquarters office will reside in Columbus, Ohio, with the Logan, Utah, office serving as a joint operational headquarters. All other present locations will remain operational at this time.

“I’m extremely excited about the future and the vision of the four cooperatives working together as one. It has been a lot of hard work, but all parties involved have worked so well together and created an awesome new entity,” said Jim Barthel, Minnesota/Select Sires President. “I am looking forward to the success of Select Sires Member Cooperative for its members and employees alike.”

For more industry news, read:

Dairy Genetic Diversity Concerns Highlighted

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:28:33 GMT

A recent segment produced by Iowa Public Television Service (PBS) featured the issue of minimal genetic diversity in the Holstein breed. The feature, shown on the Iowa PBS program “ Market to Market ,” noted that 99.75% of today’s Holstein sires are descendants of just two bulls.

Pennsylvania State University Associate Professor of Animal Science, Chad Dechow, and his research team have studied the issue of narrow genetic diversity in Holsteins in great depth. “It’s kind of the running joke in the industry that, ‘if it works, it’s line breeding; if it doesn’t, it’s inbreeding,’” said Dechow.

One Holstein sire born in 1962, Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief, sired 16,000 daughters, 500,000 great-granddaughters, and more than 2 million great-granddaughters. But as descendants of Chief started showing up on both sides of pedigrees, a genetic recessive trait emerged. The APAF1 mutation , discovered by researchers at the University of California-Davis in 2016, causes mid-term fetal death and abortion, and is estimated to have cost the dairy industry $420 million.

Andy Snyder, a representative for GENEX in eastern Iowa, said producers are mindful of the Holstein breed’s lack of genetic diversity, yet still are driven by production and profitability demands. “They’re constantly looking for that outside bull, but he has to measure up,” said Snyder.

The piece also features Wayland, Iowa dairy producer Doug Roth, and how he is using beef crossbreeding and genomics to manage his herd’s genetic program. You can watch the full segment here .

Gene Editing Could Improve Heat Tolerance

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 21:07:07 GMT

The detrimental health, well-being, and productivity effects of heat stress in dairy cattle could one day be partially solved through gene editing.

The currently experimental technology removes an undesirable genetic trait in an animal and replaces it with a more favorable one at the genome level, known among researchers and regulators as an “intentional genomic alteration” (IGA). It is possible to introduce traits within a species, and between species.

In the case of heat stress, two approaches are being taken by researchers to help cattle cope:

Slick hair coat gene – Some cattle have a shorter and shinier hair coat that makes them more comfortable in high-heat environments and thus less susceptible to heat stress. This unique hair coat is the result of the dominant “slick” gene, which originates from the Senepol breed.

A collaborative project between researchers at Mississippi State University and the University of Puerto Rico studied 84 Holsteins with the naturally occurring “slick” gene. They found that the animals had lower body temperatures, lower respiration rates, and improved reproductive efficiency in tropical conditions, compared to herd mates with traditional hair coats.

Using a technology called CRISPR-Cas9, researchers in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the U.S., have successfully produced cattle with the slick coat gene. Semen from some sires that are homozygous for the slick gene through conventional breeding also is currently available.

Hide color alteration – New Zealand researchers are exploring how gene editing can dilute the jet-black hide color of Holsteins to make them less susceptible to heat stress. They said black absorbs more solar radiation, contributing to heat stress.

In their study , they used gene editing to swap the black gene in Holsteins with the semi-dominant color dilution phenotype from Galloway and Highland cattle. The resulting calves carried a typical, spotted hide pattern, but instead of black, the darker pattern areas were a silvery gray color that would attract less heat.

Developers of gene-editing technology emphasize that the process simply takes traits already occurring in nature and shares them with other animals, thus exponentially accelerating genetic progress for that trait. In the case of heat stress, they emphasize environmental advantages along with animal health, comfort, and productivity.

Once an animal receives the IGA, it is passed on to future offspring, making it possible to replicate the trait via conventional breeding. In March 2022, the FDA approved the first IGA for animals intended for food production by making a “low-risk determination” for two genome-editing beef cattle created with the slick hair coat.

The FDA declared the animals and their offspring safe for human consumption. Acceligen , the company that developed the slick-coat cattle, is now free to market the cattle, their genetic material, and their offspring, without further regulatory approval.

But in the U.S., the commercial application of gene editing still is subject a case-by-case approval process. Dr. Steven Solomon, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said, “We expect that our decision will encourage other developers to bring animal biotechnology products forward for the FDA’s risk determination in this rapidly developing field, paving the way for animals containing low-risk IGAs to more efficiently reach the marketplace.”

For more on heat stress, read:

New Genetic Defect Discovered in Holsteins

Wed, 03 May 2023 16:51:26 GMT

Holstein calves have recently been discovered to be demonstrating a new genetic defect. The USDA, university researchers, and dairy genetics companies are working together to tackle the defect, currently labeled a “Calf Recumbency.”

Affected newborn calves with the defect are characterized by being weak and unable to stand at birth or shortly after, while otherwise appearing healthy. Research by Dr. Chad Dechow at Penn State University showed that most of the calves his team studied with the defect did not survive beyond 6 weeks of age.

Dechow’s research has compared the genotypes of 18 affected and 26 unaffected calves, and determined the mutation that causes Recumbency is located on chromosome 16. They were able to identify the haplotype or segment of DNA that affects Recumbency, and found that all affected calves were homozygous for the gene, meaning they had inherited two copies of it – one from each parent.

More analysis led to identifying the actual gene that causes Recumbency. Then, through pedigree tracing, a common sire born in 2008 was identified in both the paternal and maternal lineages of all affected calves.

The National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) has noted that the defect must be addressed quickly. “The priority is to provide access to accurate diagnostic tools with transparent and wide communication of carrier statuses of affected males and females,” the NAAB stated in a recent news alert.

The USDA’s Animal Improvement and Genomics Laboratory (AGIL) and the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) currently are working together to develop a haplotype-based test that can be applied to all genotyped animals. This test is not yet commercially available.

In the meantime, there are two tests available to determine carrier status of the defect. Artificial Insemination (AI) companies currently are testing their bulls using either the Genetic Visions-STTM or Feanix Bio test to determine whether or not each sire is positive for the mutation.

STgenetics, owner of the Genetic Visions-STTM test, noted in a recent bulletin on Calf Recumbency that producers who genomically test their females for Recumbency can eradicate the mutation from their herds by only breeding non-carrier females to non-carrier bulls, or using their more advanced Chromosomal Mating® service to avoid mating carrier females to carrier bulls.

Validating the preliminarily identified genetic location of the defect will rely heavily on genetic sampling of affected calves, along with as many of their family members as possible. To do so, it will be important for producers to report the defect in their herds and collect tissue samples in cooperation with their veterinarians.

One of the challenges with this particular defect, however, is that recumbency issues in newborn calves can have multiple origins. While the cause may be the genetic defect, newborn calves also may be unable to stand due to physical trauma from a difficult birth, or nutritional deficiencies.

Producers should be on the lookout for newborn calves that show the symptoms of weakness or paralysis and the inability to stand, either immediately after birth, or within the first 6 weeks of life, and report those animals as they are detected.

Dairy Genetics

How One Dairy is Using Embryos to Replace Jerseys With Holsteins

Looking Beyond Components

How Embryos Are Reshaping the Herd

Genetics Is a Long Game

The Genetic Pivot: How 2026 Wellness Traits are Redefining Dairy Profitability

The New Math of the $100 Gain

Breeding for a Warming World: Heat Resilience

The Feed Efficiency Frontier: Z_RFI and RUMiN

The Supply Chain Connection: The Danone Factor

Proof of Concept: McCarty Family Farms

The End of the Average Cow

New Genetic Insights Could Help Dairy Industry Tackle Crampy in Cattle

What is Crampy?

What the New Research Shows

What Does This Mean for Treatment and Management?

A Shift Toward Prevention

Zoetis to Acquire Neogen’s Animal Genomics Business

Beef-on-Dairy is Becoming a Bigger Engine for the Beef Supply Chain

Breeding With the Beef End in Mind

From ‘Black Holsteins’ to Beef-Calf Performance

Performance Trends from the Packer’s Rail

Processing Challenges Inside the Plant

Growing and Permanent Force

The 3-Year Bet: Navigating Semen Choices and Herd Dynamics

3-Year Investment Cycle

The ‘Black Calf’ Bubble

The Culling Conundrum

Sustainability and the ‘Maintenance Dilution’

Balancing Cash Flow with Strategy

Will Beef-on-Dairy Help Rebuild America’s Record-Low Cattle Numbers?

Can Beef-on-Dairy Help Fill Feedlot Pens?

What Impact is it Having on Packers?

The Other Side of a Hot Market

Innovation in Every Drop: Apple Shamrock Farms Crowned 2026 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year

The New Age of Beef-on-Dairy is Here

From Skepticism To Standard Practice

What To Consider

Begin With The End In Mind

Feedlots Crave Consistency

Predictability Built on Relationships and Data

A Defining Shift

Fewer Heifers Mean Higher Stakes for Reproduction

Rethink Timed AI in Heifers

Does Sexed Semen Need a Different Approach?

Look Beyond Upfront Costs

Make Every Heifer Count

Managing Your Transition Pens May Be a Black and White Issue

A Resilient Comeback: U.S. Bovine Semen Industry Sees Growth in 2024

GenoSource Has Grown Into One of the Most State-of-the-Art Dairies You'll Find in the U.S.

Beef-on-Dairy: This Iowa Dairy's Strategic Approach for Success

Beef-on-Dairy: How to Make Successful Semen Selection Strategies

Health Traits Have Genetic Heritability in Calves

Embryo Surrogacy – The Next Dairy Niche?

Survey: Beef-Cross Calves Need Better Implant, Breeding Strategies

Sexten: Lessons From the Dairy Industry

Beef-on-Dairy: Why Feedlots Crave This Important Information

Feedlots and Consumers Crave Knowledge

Health Records

Nutrition Records

Additional Areas to Focus On

Metrics = Money

For more on beef-on-dairy, read:

How to Increase the Marketability of Beef-on-Dairy Calves

Don’t Skip Day One of Calf Care

Track Calf Growth

Keep Health Records

For more on beef-on-dairy, read:

Dairy and Beef: A Merger of Many Merits

Rapidly Growing Beef-on-Dairy Segment Holds Promise for All Stakeholders

Select Sires Announces Merger, Four Cooperatives Will Now Become One

For more industry news, read:

Dairy Genetic Diversity Concerns Highlighted

Gene Editing Could Improve Heat Tolerance

For more on heat stress, read:

New Genetic Defect Discovered in Holsteins