Increasing Use of Beef Genetics in Dairy Cows in New Zealand

The use of beef genetics in dairy cows is on the rise in New Zealand, with LIC reporting an 18% increase in beef straws used this spring compared to last year. Paul Charteris, LIC's beef genetics product lead, highlighted this trend during a field day at Pāmu's Eweburn Station near Te Anau. He noted that the increase has been consistent over the past several years.

Several factors contribute to the rise in dairy beef genetics. The use of sexed semen in dairy herds creates more opportunities for using beef straws. Additionally, the adoption of wearable technology in dairy herds has led to a decrease in natural mating, further increasing the use of beef genetics. Farmers are also responding to industry discussions about the future of bobby calves, preparing for a potential 'non-bobby future' by investing in beef breeding programs.

Carbon efficiency is another driver, with dairy beef animals helping to reduce carbon emissions per kilogram of carcass weight by 25% to 35%. Charteris also mentioned that discussions with companies like Silver Fern, Alliance, and ANZCO reveal promising market prospects for low-carbon dairy beef products.

Virtual fencing has emerged as an unexpected factor in the increased use of dairy beef genetics. On a Waikato farm, the use of Halter virtual fencing has led to a 50% increase in carcass weight per hectare over the past two and a half years. This technology is seen as a potential driver for more dairy beef cattle in the future.

In response to these trends, LIC is investing in dairy beef genetics with programs like Kiwi Prime and Synergizer. Kiwi Prime aims to produce animals with lower birth weights and faster growth, while Synergizer combines Charolais and Stabilizer breeds for efficient and profitable calves. These programs are expected to hit the market in the coming years.