Taking beef on dairy breeding a step further, SimVitro Herdflex embryos are an effective tool to generate high-performance beef calves on dairy operations. By placing full beef embryos in dairy cattle, you gain the full beef calf advantage that will allow you to break into new markets (via customers looking for 100% beef calves) and increase your calf value from non-replacement pregnancies. In addition, you can also develop a consistent profit stream beyond milk production, while maximizing return on investment. These embryos can be used to positively change dairy farm economics in multiple different avenues.
HerdFlex embryos are chosen to meet key beef market needs such as feed efficiency, rate of gain, marbling, and ribeye area size. Dairies often receive a premium depending on the marketing conditions for the Herdflex calves compared to straight-bred dairy calves. These rewards are a result of deliberate marketing plans, and producers have flexibility in when they choose to sell the animals. They may opt to:
- Sell as day-old calves
- Sell as weanlings
- Sell as feeders
- Maintain ownership through harvest
- Secure a marketing agreement through a cattle feeder
An Idaho producer stated, “These embryos produce a pure beef calf, which finishes out faster and has more value as a calf than purebred dairy calves or crossbred dairy-beef calves.”
Research shows that these calves have an average daily gain of 3-4 pounds. Full beef calves are sought after by the beef supply chain and have the potential to earn a premium price. Early research results show that 77% of the calves grade USDA Choice or Choice+ and 22% grade USDA Prime. The calves are bringing a $130 premium minimum from the harvest grid.
While most dairy producers express concerns regarding beef embryo calf size, embryo sire selection and pre-fresh cow management can overcome these concerns. Sires of HerdFlex embryos are specifically selected for calving ease. On average, you can expect to achieve pregnancy rates similar to those of artificial insemination. Heat stressed cattle often show an improvement in pregnancy rate over artificial insemination because the implanted embryo circumvents fertility related challenges and starts with the placement of an already viable embryo.
Choosing the recipient of embryo transfer is important in order to get the best outcome. Things to consider when selecting recipients:
- Choose first, second, and third lactation cows
- Choose cows with adequate body condition
- Choose cows undergoing first, second, or third service
- Follow a mandatory 70-day wait period after calving before embryo transfer
- Avoid cows with a history of reproductive problems
Select Sires is the only genetic company to offer SimVitro Herdflex beef embryos to commercial dairies. If you are interested in the Herdflex embryos, contact your local Premier representative today!
