Growth in Beef on Dairy

Beef semen used on dairy cows is a growing worldwide trend. There is no doubt more and more beef will come from the dairy industry in future years. In the USA alone where the use of genomic testing females and sexed semen has increased in recent years the use of beef semen on dairy cows has shown a significant increase. In 2018 sales of beef semen in the US industry has increased by close to 60% on the previous year and a lot of this can be contributed to use on dairy cows. Sufficient dairy replacements are obtained from the use of sexed semen on the higher genomic females and the balance of the herd is mated to a beef breed. We are beginning to see similar tends in Australia,

Farmers are using the beef semen to value add to the surplus calves produced from less productive females in their herds and also as an option for use on heifers.

Genetics Australia understands the importance of individual traits such as short gestation length, calving ease, growth and positive carcase attributes combined with specific breed requirements with the expectation of high-quality semen produced in Australia by Genetics Australia.

This targeted approach has allowed Genetics Australia to invest in sourcing the right bulls to suit individuals Beef on Dairy program. Not all beef breeds produce the same results and not all bulls from a single beef breed will breed in a similar way, so we have sourced one of the most diverse teams of sires available in Australia for Beef On Dairy breeding programs. While more traditional breeds such Angus, Murray Grey, Poll Hereford, Charolais and Simmental it is the trend to Speckle Park that is also on a rapid rise in demand and the distinctive colour markings appeal to many dairy farmers.

Genetics Australia has beef sires available from the following breeds:

• Angus
• Poll Hereford
• Speckle Park
• Murray Grey
• Charolais
• Simmental

For more information on how you can utilise beef sires in your herd please contact your local Genetics Australia representative.