Responsible Breeding
The Australian dairy industry supports the development of socially acceptable and economically viable pathways for surplus calves.
Responsible breeding strategies
A responsible breeding strategy ensures surplus, or non-replacement calves, receive the same planning, focus and attention as calves bred as replacements.
Responsible breeding strategies often involve:
- Use of genomic testing to identify the highest genetic merit dams.
- Use of sexed semen.
- Breeding the right number of replacements.
- Using high quality beef sires on lower genetic merit dams.
Growing beef from dairy
Rearing surplus calves for beef production is more socially acceptable than early life slaughter, but it is important that this is economically viable for all members of the supply chain. To successfully implement a beef on dairy program you should:
- Understand market requirements.
- Utilise Estimated Breeding Values (EBV) to select beef sires with high calving ease, shorter gestation length and desirable growth and carcass characteristics.
- Consider the additional labour and infrastructure required to rear additional calves.
- Prepare for fluctuations in seasonal conditions and commodity prices (e.g. grain and beef prices).
Surplus calves must be reared with the same attention to detail and care as replacement heifers. Dairy farmers selling calves to others to rear also have a duty of care to those animals to ensure traceability obligations under the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) are met, and that purchasers are competent, adequately trained and equipped to manage calves well.
Fluctuations in seasonal conditions and commodity prices will continue to challenge the viability of beef on dairy systems over the long term. However, producing calves that are purposefully bred and reared to meet market demand will help withstand this type of volatility.
