KDDC's Beef on Dairy Initiative
Why beef on dairy?
Traditionally, dairy operations have focused primarily on- and excelled at- the production of one product: milk. Today, there are numerous opportunities for dairy producers to diversify and improve monetization of byproducts that are leaving the farm. Cull animals including bull calves and heifers that will not be retained have historically been considered byproducts on a dairy operation. However, strategically incorporating beef genetics in your herd can improve the marketability of those calves, provide an increased line of diversified income, decrease heifer raising costs, and decrease the environmental footprint of culls by producing an animal with improved feed efficiency.
While the use of beef semen on dairies has increased by over 20% in recent years and many companies and organizations have established beef on dairy programs, there are still obstacles to overcome. To create a sustainable program that fits the needs of your operation, you should carefully consider heifer replacement needs, sire selection, and marketing strategies for calves. Additionally, providing good calf care from birth is essential to address some of the concerns buyers have about dairy influenced cattle in feedlots, including a significantly higher rate of liver abscesses.
Beef on dairy may provide an improved stream of revenue for your operation over straight dairy animals with the proper planning and care. The Kentucky Dairy Development Council aims to address these considerations in our Beef on Dairy Initiative to support a sustainable beef on dairy market for Kentucky dairy producers.
Overall project participation requirements and parameters
Questions about the program can be directed to your area KDDC consultant.
- DHIA or equivalent qualified management program
- Permitted dairy farm
- Verification of cows
- Semen obtained from qualified KDDC listing
- 40% of cows represented on DHIA or equivalent management program are eligible
- Limit of 2 straws of semen per cow based on eligible number of cows
- Semen cost share of 50% with max $15 KDDC contribution per straw
- Herd bulls meet KDDC EPD requirements for program
- Herd bulls limited to one bull purchased per herd
- Bull cost share of 50% with max $2,500 KDDC contribution per bull
Questions about the program can be directed to your area KDDC consultant.
EPD Requirements:Bulls must be genomic tested. Review the Beef on Dairy Program Manual for more details on EPD requirements.
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For full Details of KDDC's Beef on Dairy Program, including sign up sheets and program guidelines, view the program manual below.
Links: |
Feeding the Newborn Calf, Written by Jackie MCCARVILLE, Heather Schlesser and ASHLEY A OLSON https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/articles/feeding-the-newborn-calf/
Beef x Dairy Crossbreeding and Calf Management Practices on Wisconsin Dairy Farms https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/03/Beef-x-Dairy-Crossbreeding-and-Calf-Management-3-14-2023.pdf Kentucky CPH Requirements http://www.cph45.com/cph-45-requirements.html |
Resources: |
Calf Birth Certificate (English and Spanish) from Dairy Calf and Heifer Association
Colostrum Management for Dairy Calves, Dr. Michelle Arnold, University of Kentucky How Many Dairy Replacements Do You Need to Raise to Maintain Your Dairy’s Herd Size?, Donna Amaral-Phillips UK Dairy Extension |
