A strong business case for using sexed semen

The report, commissioned by Compassion in World Farming and the RSPCA, was carried out as part of the Beyond Calf Exports stakeholders forum, set up to explore methods to finish off male dairy calves for the beef industry.

Carried out by the SAC Dairy Research Centre, the study found that sexed semen could be an answer to improving dairy returns as well as bolstering the beef supply chain by producing beef cross calves.

Philip Lymbery, chief executive of Compassion in World Farming said: “The findings of SAC's report are good news for farmers and good news for the animal welfare lobby. It is imperative that we find as many viable solutions as possible to the seemingly 'unwanted' male dairy calf.

“Sexed semen is one such solution and could greatly decrease the numbers of male dairy calves exported or shot at birth.”

By using the technology, researchers claim the dairy industry can produce more beef cross calves, which offer a far better return for farmers than finishing male dairy calves.

The report found that finishing a crossbreed steer would return a gross margin of £57 per head and a heifer £70 a head compared to a loss of £163 a head finishing Holstein bulls.

The report says: “The use of sexed semen technology would have the double advantage of reducing the number of low value male dairy calves and increasing the number of more valuable beef cross calves for the beef industry.”

However, it admits that while the figures stack up, 'the economics of all beef production systems in the UK are generally very poor at present' and with volatile commodities markets there is no guarantee it will remain viable.

Credit: © FARMERS GUARDIAN please contact 01772 799445.

Sexed semen could be the answer to improving dairy returns and bolstering the beef supply chain by producing beef cross calves, the report found.

Stumbling block

It also points out poor conception rates in milking cows remain a stumbling block to the uptake of the technology, only really offering a solution for maiden heifers.

It said: “Use of sexed semen is recommended by breeding companies and vets as being likely to give satisfactory conception rates for maiden heifers. However, there are still doubts about conception rates when sexed semen is used for inseminations on milking cows.”

The note of caution was largely ignored by animal welfare activists this week who claimed farmers negative perceptions were based on 'out-of-date' information.

But the report said while the technology does offer some benefits, it would be unlikely to take hold in the dairy industry until it could be improved to ensure higher conception rates in milking cows.

Already some supermarkets are trialling sexed semen with their dedicated suppliers as part of the Forum, and the report calls for a review of the schemes in 15 months time before any final conclusions can be drawn.

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