Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation.

Dairy producers add value to their herds with beef-on-dairy programs. Not only do they add to a dairy’s bottom line, but these programs produce a more sustainable product that fits better into our food system.

Advanced reproductive technologies allow producers to expand the reach of their beef-on-dairy program and produce crossbred calves solely from their top-performing females that meet the genetic needs of the market.

Even though beef-on-dairy crossbreds have significantly improved the system, their half-dairy genetics still limit their performance compared to full-beef calves, which offer greater efficiency, profitability and market appeal.

A dairy beef calf will not outperform a full-beef animal – plain and simple.

Beef-on-dairy programs have brought significant value to dairy herds, but forward-thinking producers should explore additional strategies to further enhance profitability and efficiency.

“You have to ask yourself, ‘What other options and investments are out there?’” says Brad Brundage, Trans Ova Genetics client development manager.

So, how can dairy producers take their beef-on-dairy strategy a step further? The answer lies in reproductive technology – specifically, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and beef embryos.

Adding more value with IVF and beef embryos

Utilizing IVF allows dairy producers to catapult the top end of their female herd. Using only the elite dairy females to make replacements opens the next population of females who don’t need to make replacements.

“Those cows then become recipients for an IVF beef embryo,” says Dakota Moyers, project manager at Trans Ova Genetics.

Utilizing beef embryos allows for more versatility in the value-added side of dairy operations. Producers can meet the needs of more niche markets or participate in specialized beef programs.

These beef feeder calves will be competitive with all other beef calves – as feeders, as feedlot cattle and in the beef supply chain. Compared to beef-on-dairy crossbreds, full beef embryos produce calves that command higher prices, require fewer inputs and are more desirable to feeders and packers.

“All beef calves should garner a higher price than the beef-on-dairy crossbreds due to the value they bring to the feeders and packers: days on feed, conversion rate in the feed yard, red meat yield and total carcass weight,” Brundage says.

Beyond economic benefits, full-beef calves also contribute to sustainability. They require fewer resources and produce a more efficient beef product, making them an environmentally responsible choice for the future.

Brundage notes that while producers currently have the option to prioritize their operation’s environmental impact, he believes that within the next 10 years it may be either mandatory or incentivized.

In addition, Brundage says beef embryos can consistently achieve higher pregnancy rates in cattle stressed by summer heat compared to conventional artificial insemination (A.I.) or embryo transfer (ET).

Teamwork makes the dream work

Successfully making the most of a beef-on-dairy program isn’t about picking between beef semen and IVF embryos – it is about using both in the right way to get the best results.

“I think it takes both to be successful,” Brundage says.

Producers should use beef embryos as a targeted higher-margin product and beef semen as a “cleanup” product with lower costs and returns.

“The embryo and all beef calves allow producers to become a ‘price maker’ in the market, where beef semen and crossbred calves limit them to be a ‘price taker,’” Brundage says.

But price maker or taker, both strategies contribute to long-term success and sustainability in dairy operations. However, opportunities for utilizing reproductive technologies are not all sunshine and butterflies.

Risk and reward

While IVF and ET offer exciting opportunities, they also require careful management to avoid pitfalls. Proper planning, training and oversight are essential to ensuring success.

“Anytime you start something new, there can be trainwrecks,” Moyers says. “So, it’s not a bulletproof ‘one-size-fits-all.’ It’s very customizable, which is beneficial, but it still takes time to learn and develop consistency.”

Dairy producers should also consider the investment of time, money and resources it takes to utilize IVF and ET technologies. An embryo costs more than a unit of beef semen, and IVF and ET require skilled professionals who are scarcer and more costly than A.I. technicians.

Depending on the dairy’s fertility and reproductive management, beef embryos can have lower pregnancy and higher abortion rates compared to beef semen.

“You have to consider if the juice is worth the squeeze,” Brundage says.

Dairy producers should evaluate the opportunities and make decisions based on what is best for their individual business.

As the dairy industry continues to evolve, reproductive technologies will become even more essential in shaping its future.

“I think sometimes these technologies and the role they play get undervalued,” Brundage says. “For the most part, these decisions didn’t even exist a decade ago.”

As the dairy industry evolves, reproductive technologies will play a crucial role in maximizing profitability and sustainability. Now is the time to explore how IVF and beef embryos can transform your operation.