Should you choose maternal?
Should you choose terminal?
Or can you have both?
There is a fork in the road for beef producers, and it presents an opportunity to optimize your breeding program. You can choose either direction or take both at the same time because each path is achievable with today’s genetics, tools, and technology.
The fork represents the vast difference between genetics that maximize feedlot and carcass performance versus genetics that optimize maternal efficiency and profitability at the farm or ranch level. Some producers have already reached this juncture and are indecisive about which path to take. While that is understandable, it is key to remember that the decision to breed “down the middle” and not embrace diverging paths could result in a sacrifice in maternal or terminal traits.
NAVIGATE THE BEEF INDUSTRY’S ‘FORK IN THE ROAD’
You can choose either direction or take both at the same time. Leverage ABS’ genetics, tools, and technology to create the right pregnancies for your goals.
Historically, a bull had to do everything well, from pasture to plate. Today, with tools like fixed-time A.I. and sexed semen, you can laser-focus your breeding decisions to create maternally efficient replacement females and exceptionally profitable feeder cattle without sacrifice. Whether you are concerned about sustainability, efficiency, or making the most of your resources at hand, embracing the ‘Fork in the Road’ may be your solution to maximizing profitability.
Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) is popular, cost effective and relatively simple reproductive technology, ideal for increasing the overall genetic merit of your herd.
FTAI importantly allows producers to increase the entire profitability of their beef operation through easier calving, shortened breeding and calving seasons, reduced incidence of post partum anoestrus, improved fertility and a more uniform line of calves.
FTAI involves synchronising the animals in your herd through the use of exogenus (injection or insertion/implantation of CIDR) hormones to be artificially mated over a controlled timeframe.
Synchronisation allows producers to utilise high indexing bulls from around the world for artificial insemination of their herd, with cows and heifers able to be inseminated on a single day at the same time.
Considerations to Maintain a Cow Herd
- Cow size
- Feed intake
- Fertility
- Longevity
- Maternal calving ease
- Convenience traits
- Milk
Expectations of the Beef Supply Chain and Consumers
- High-performing, healthy cattle
- Feed efficiency
- High-quality carcasses
- Exceptional eating experience
The Benefits of using Sexcel as part of your FTAI strategy
- Maximize the productivity and efficiency of your herd
- Create replacements designed for maternal value from your early-calving cows
- Build your best cowherd with maternal sires
- Add more power, kilograms, and terminal value to the portion of your calf crop headed into the beef supply chain
Consider These Maternal-Oriented Sires to Make Replacements
Contact your ABS Representative or complete the form below to discuss implementing the Sexcel 60/40 Synch strategy and finding the sires to create the right pregnancies that fit your goals.