The "Beef on Dairy" Technique Revolutionizes Argentine Dairy Farming

In Argentine dairy farms, a long-standing problem has been dealing with male calves from dairy cows (Holstein). These calves need to be sold early at low prices or raised until slaughter weight, consuming resources needed for the dairy herd. The "Beef on Dairy" technique, already implemented in the United States, is now gaining traction in Argentina. This method involves inseminating a portion of the herd with beef bull semen (such as Angus), while using sexed semen for dairy replacements on the best producing cows. This results in male calves with superior beef performance, higher sale prices, and reduced internal competition for feed.

The strategy was introduced in the U.S. around 2017 after the collapse of the Holstein calf market, triggered by Tyson Foods' decision to stop accepting calves from dairy farms, causing prices to plummet from about $500 to $100 each. In Argentina, farms with good reproductive levels are adopting this genetic variation successfully. They select the best females for sexed semen to replace stock, and use beef-grade semen on others for good growth, feed-to-meat conversion, and acceptable marbling.

Advantages of this approach include improved sale prices for male calves, less internal food competition, more efficient use of the herd, and potential dual genetic valuation. However, adoption requires feedlots and slaughterhouses to recognize the quality of these animals to make the switch financially rewarding. Some producers view this method as a strategic shift toward a more profitable mixed model.