Publish date: 6.20.24
Historically, as a beef industry, many have chosen to use an all-purpose mating breeding strategy. When utilizing an all-purpose path, you are simultaneously balancing both terminal objectives and maternal selection in the same matings. It is a breeding strategy that has been successful for many years but one that is becoming more challenging as production levels increase. While this breeding approach is still a valid one, it is not your only choice if you have come to a fork in the road in your operation between maternal and terminal.
Today’s tools and technology are game changers when it comes to making matings with intent. You don’t have to do everything in one mating. Leveraging the power of sexed semen, synchronization, and artificial insemination gives you the freedom to strategically select those cows you want to build replacement heifers from and those cows you breed to create high-quality feeder cattle. Today’s technology allows you to hone in on genetics exclusively built for maternal use and those terminal ones demanded by the beef supply chain.
When you select genetics for maternal or terminal, it does not have to be a tug o’ war between the two. For instance, you do not have to worry about choosing too much maternal and compromising the terminal value of calves destined for the beef supply chain. The tools, technology, and genetics available to you today give you the power to choose!
A Breeding Strategy Where You Don’t Have to Compromise
Over the years, we have pushed the limits in terms of carcass and live weight as desired by the cattle feeding industry. This has led beef producers to see larger mature sizes, higher feed intake, and increased maintenance requirements. While we cannot ignore the demands of the beef supply chain, we also must continue to create a cowherd that is efficient and sustainable.
With Sexcel and 60/40 Synch, you can build your best cow herd without sacrificing profitability within the beef supply chain. This breeding strategy gives you the flexibility to make the best of both without the tug o’ war scenarios involved in an all-purpose approach. You can appease your wildest desires from a maternal standpoint on those specific replacement heifer matings. Then, you take the rest of the cowherd and add more pounds and carcass value which puts more dollars in your pocket at weaning time, or even better yet, when you retain ownership. You can zero in on your breeding decisions and create the right pregnancies to help you reach your goals.
Now that we have identified the ability to have maternal and terminal, simultaneously, let’s highlight some of the core considerations when it comes to traits for maternal and terminal.
Traits to Think About When Building Your Best Cow Herd
- Fertility and Longevity
- Adaptability traits like Hair Shedding or PAP
- Efficiency
- Foot Quality and Docility
- Teat and Udder Quality
- Maternal Calving Ease
- Calving Ease
- Maternal Performance
Focus on These Traits for Terminal Beef Profitability
- Increase Growth
- Improve Feed Efficiency
- Increase Carcass Weight
- Enhance Carcass Quality
- Adaptability traits like PAP
Synchronization and artificial insemination have been key tools in beef producers’ tool belts to progress their herds. With all the advancements today, you can choose what breeding strategy works best for you—all-purpose or segmenting your herd. ABS’ tools, technology, and genetics will help you reach your goals, regardless of whether you are focused on maternal or terminal or choose to have both at the same time with a breeding strategy like Sexcel and 60/40 Synch.
Contact your ABS Representative or complete the form below to discuss the right breeding strategy and sires to create the right pregnancies to help you reach your goals.
(608) 846 3721