| Popis: |
In the recent years, dairy farms have dramatically improved fertility programs, while also changing to a higher percent of sex-sorted semen used within the farm. This has led to a surplus of heifer inventory, especially for a stable dairy farm. At the same time, there is an opportunity to improve the marketability of the dairy-breed calf intended for meat production through introducing terminal beef cross sires into the breeding strategy. This introduction of beef genetics improves meat yield grade and overall carcass characteristics compared to a purebred dairy calf. A dairy producer can successfully implement this strategy knowing their total need for dairy replacement heifers for herd maintenance and/or expansion. The beef-on-dairy cross can aid in market diversification for the dairy producer and reduces the historical concerns of dairy breed animals finished in the feedlot and within the meat processing industry. |
