Álvaro García
The dairy industry in the United States has experienced significant reproductive changes due to increased genetic selection for milk production and evolving management practices aimed at addressing concerns over declining reproductive performance in lactating cows. This has led to a focused exploration of dairy cow reproductive physiology to understand the impact of management practices on efficiency, resulting in the adoption of technologies like sexed and beef semen to improve reproductive outcomes. These enhancements stem from improved management practices, including preserving body condition score (BCS) and reducing disease during the periparturient period, alongside the adoption of fertility programs like Double-Ovsynch, which boost reproductive efficiency compared to estrus-detected inseminations. Initially favored for nulliparous heifers due to their superior fertility rates, sexed semen has gained popularity, although it yields 70 to 84% of the relative fertility of conventional semen. Adoption of sexed and beef semen strategies depends on herd reproductive performance, with robust herds more inclined to utilize them for precise herd inventory management, resulting in genetically superior replacements with sexed semen and increased market value for non-replacements as beef × dairy crossbred calves.
Despite the profitability of sexed and beef semen insemination, there is a lack of comprehensive data on their prevalence and allocation in Holstein and Jersey females in the US. This shortage of data is notable amid a surge in beef semen sales and declines in domestic Jersey and Holstein semen sales, emphasizing shifting trends in semen usage. While specific statistics regarding the age of crossbred calves leaving the farm may vary depending on individual farm practices and market conditions, it’s common for most dairy-beef crossbred calves to be sold shortly after weaning, typically around 2 to 3 months of age. This early sale allows producers to efficiently manage herd inventory and take advantage of market opportunities, often selling to feedlot operators or backgrounders specializing in raising and finishing cattle for beef production, thereby reducing feeding and management costs for the dairy operation, especially if there are limitations in space or resources to raise the animals to older ages.
Optimizing crossbred offspring value
The pricing of dairy-beef crossbred calves is influenced by various factors, including market demand and the perceived value of the crossbred offspring. Typically, bulls from beef breeds renowned for superior beef characteristics command higher prices, as their crossbred offspring are expected to exhibit favorable traits like growth rate, carcass quality, and feed efficiency. Conversely, calves sired by bulls from dairy breeds may fetch lower prices due to reduced market demand for their beef traits. However, pricing dynamics can vary regionally and based on buyer preferences, and other factors such as the calf’s conformation, health, and genetics also play a role in pricing decisions.
In the United States, beef breeds like Angus, Hereford, and Simmental are among the most highly prized for their superior meat quality and overall beef production traits. Angus, especially, is esteemed for its marbling and tenderness, making it highly sought after in the beef industry. Nevertheless, pricing and demand for different breeds can fluctuate depending on regional preferences, market trends, and individual buyer requirements.
Crossbred calves may vary in price compared to straight beef breeds based on several factors, including genetic potential and market demand. In some cases, crossbred calves may command prices like or even higher than straight beef breeds if they possess desirable traits for beef production, potentially due to hybrid vigor or if they are sired by bulls from highly regarded beef breeds. Conversely, crossbred calves may also be priced lower than straight beef breeds if they do not meet certain market standards or lack desirable beef production traits, highlighting the importance for producers to carefully assess and manage the attributes of their crossbred calves to optimize their market value.
Maximizing calf value with 3D imaging
Introducing a prediction of carcass traits like circularity and yield could potentially enhance the price tag of dairy-beef crossbred calves by providing buyers with valuable information about the expected quality and yield of the eventual beef product. Circularity, in the context of ribeye measurement, refers to the shape of the ribeye muscle when viewed in cross-section. It is calculated as the ratio of the circumference of the ribeye muscle to the square root of its area. Essentially, circularity provides insight into how rounded or oval-shaped the ribeye muscle is. A ribeye with higher circularity values indicates a more rounded shape, while lower values suggest a more elongated or irregular shape. Ribeye’s with higher circularity values are often preferred in the meat industry because they tend to have more uniform thickness and distribution of muscle tissue, which can facilitate consistent cooking and portioning. Additionally, higher circularity values may correlate with better marbling distribution within the ribeye, which can enhance tenderness and flavor in beef products. Therefore, circularity is an important metric used to assess the shape and quality of ribeye muscles in the beef industry.
Buyers, such as feedlot operators or backgrounders, may be willing to pay a premium for crossbred calves with predicted favorable carcass traits, reducing uncertainty and risk associated with beef production and potentially leading to higher-quality beef products and improved profitability. Investing in 3D measures on the farm to obtain these predictions could be worthwhile, as it could increase the value of crossbred calves, enhance the reputation of the dairy farm, and foster long-term relationships with buyers who value transparency and quality. Overall, incorporating predictive carcass trait measures and investing in 3D technology could be a worthwhile strategy for dairy farmers looking to increase the value of their crossbred calves and optimize their profitability in the beef production market.
What does the research say?
Caffarini and colleagues (2022) conducted a study aimed at improving the quality of beef derived from dairy cows. They recognized that while crossbreeding dairy cows with beef cattle can lead to valuable offspring, there are challenges in ensuring consistent meat quality. To address this, they explored the potential of advanced technology to predict important characteristics of beef cuts, specifically focusing on the ribeye.
The researchers began by capturing 3D images of 56 calves using a specialized 3D camera. These images provided detailed visual information about the calves’ bodies. Using these images, they developed a computer program capable of analyzing the shape and size of the calves’ bodies, laying the groundwork for predicting characteristics of beef cuts.
Following this initial step, the researchers collected additional data from the calves, including ultrasound images of their ribs. These images offered insights into the internal structure of the calves, particularly related to the size and shape of the ribeye, a crucial determinant of beef quality.
Utilizing a combination of the 3D body images and ultrasound data, the researchers trained their computer program to make predictions about the size and circularity (shape) of the ribeye based on the features observed in the calves’ bodies. This involved a sophisticated process of machine learning, where the program learned to recognize patterns and correlations between the visual characteristics of the calves and the corresponding attributes of the ribeye.
The results of their study were promising. The computer program demonstrated a high level of accuracy in predicting both the size and circularity of the ribeye in live calves. This suggests that advanced technologies such as computer vision systems have the potential to revolutionize the way beef quality is assessed and managed in livestock production.
By accurately predicting the characteristics of beef cuts early in the production process, farmers can make more informed decisions about which animals to raise together for optimal meat quality. This not only enhances the overall value of the beef produced but also contributes to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
The development and implementation of advanced technologies, such as 3D computer vision systems for predicting ribeye area and circularity in live animals, hold significant promise for enhancing the profitability of farmers who sell dairy x beef crossbred calves. By accurately estimating key carcass traits in live animals, farmers can make informed decisions regarding optimal animal grouping strategies, thereby maximizing the value of their crossbred calves. This technology enables farmers to produce beef x dairy crosses with improved meat quality and uniformity, consequently commanding higher prices in the market. As a result, integrating computer vision systems into farm management practices has the potential to substantially boost the profitability of dairy farmers involved in dairy x beef crossbreeding programs, offering them a competitive edge in the livestock industry.
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