Fewer bobby calves as dairy farmers shift to beef breeding
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
This season, CRV has seen a significant 45% increase in sexed semen sales compared to last year. Sexed semen now makes up 4.8% of CRV’s total dairy semen sales – a 33% rise from last season. The number of CRV customers using sexed semen has also grown, from 20.6% to 22%, with average order sizes increasing by 25%.
CRV managing director James Smallwood says these figures indicate that farmers already using sexed semen are buying more as they strive to accelerate herd profitability through genetic gain, produce more quality replacements from their best cows, and reduce bobby calf numbers.
“Using sexed semen on the top 25% of your herd is crucial for driving genetic gains and ensuring that the best-performing cows are producing the next generation of replacement heifers. Each pregnancy from sexed genetics gives a 90% chance of a heifer, adding even more value to your investment.
“With frozen sexed semen you can target your best cows when they come on heat to ensure these cows create the next generation, which is difficult to do with fresh sexed semen. This not only improves your herd’s productivity but helps close the 165 kgMS industry production gap between top and bottom quartile cows,” he says.
While the growth in the use of sexed semen by New Zealand dairy farmers is encouraging, Smallwood says it is still well behind other competing dairy industries internationally.
“As a global company we’re seeing firsthand how sexed semen is being used successfully in offshore markets,” says Smallwood.
“Faster adoption of it in New Zealand could significantly accelerate our dairy industry’s rate of genetic gain. It is a crucial technology dairy farmers have at their fingertips to lift their future herd’s performance.
“As providers, we’re working to make quality sexed semen from our highest indexing bulls more accessible and cost-effective and provide comprehensive support to help farmers leverage this valuable tool effectively. To maximise gains, sexed semen needs to be used correctly and on the right cows.”
Data from Fonterra’s Efficiency Evolution roadshow indicates that the top 25% of cows in our national herd produce, on average, 165 kgMS more than the bottom 25%. This production difference represents a significant revenue gap.
“Selective breeding allows farmers to capitalise on these top-performing animals,” says Smallwood. “By breeding from the best, farmers can steadily improve the overall productivity of their herd.
“Conversely, identifying the bottom 25% plus can also be profitable. Poor-performing or low genetic merit cows can be culled or bred for dairy beef which prevents any temptation to keep a replacement heifer from this low genetic merit group.”
Selective breeding through sexed semen not only improves productivity but also contributes to sustainability. By focusing on the top-performing animals, farmers can reduce emissions intensity and breed more efficient herds. Fonterra figures suggest that the top 25% of a herd is over 16% more methane efficient per kgMS than the bottom 25%.
CRV is committed to helping farmers get the most out of sexed semen by offering tailored support and education.
“It’s not just about using sexed semen – it’s about using it strategically,” says Smallwood.
“By focusing on the top quartile of the herd and developing a customised mating plan, farmers can unlock their past investments and realise the full potential of their genetics. We’re here to provide the expertise and guidance needed to make that happen. It is all about creating healthy and efficient herds.”
