Data capture related to beef and dairy could provide critical improvements in accuracy of selection decisions, according to Kansas State University’s Dr. Bob Weaber. He says the beef-on-dairy phenomena is a disrupter in the usual dairy and beef business, particularly when it comes to carcass traits. Dairy businesses use sexed dairy semen for the best cows that will build high-value replacement females.

Meanwhile, beef semen is used on dairy cows that are older and likely won’t produce high-merit calves. This beef-on-dairy value chain results in substantial number of animals that have an opportunity to increase their value and marketability. Ultimately, dairy farms can add value to their calf stream by making them more profitable through the beef chain.

Read more on the beef-on-dairy value chain here.