Sexed semen technology is transforming breeding strategies in beef operations, enabling producers to achieve both maternal and terminal goals within the same calf crop. This innovative approach allows herds to produce high-quality replacement females while maximizing the terminal value of non-replacement animals, offering new pathways to efficiency and profitability for operations of all sizes.
During the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium on June 11, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn., Kenny Wells of ABS Global outlined the benefits of sexed semen in beef operations, particularly through the 60/40 Sync Program. This program segments the cow herd based on fertility and strategic breeding. Approximately 60% of cows displaying estrus are bred using female sexed semen from maternally focused bulls to produce replacement heifers. The remaining 40% are bred with conventional semen from terminally focused bulls, with all cows exposed to a terminal sire for clean-up breeding.
The program aims to deliver calf crops comprising 35% maternally designed heifer calves and 65% terminal animals, primarily steers, for market. Benefits include producing replacement females earlier in the calving season, resulting in older, more productive heifers with heavier calves over their lifetimes.
A multi-year demonstration of the 60/40 Sync Program at the Bair Ranch in Montana highlighted its practical application. Over four years, the ranch exceeded its target of retaining 23-24% maternally designed heifers annually. Key findings included an average of 91% heifer calves from sexed semen and long-term benefits in herd reproduction efficiency. However, lower pregnancy rates with sexed semen and shifts in calving intervals were noted.
Wells emphasized the importance of selecting the right genetic inputs for successful implementation. By leveraging sexed semen, producers can increase selection pressure on terminal traits without compromising maternal quality and vice versa. Incorporating crossbreeding enhances efficiency through heterosis, particularly for lowly heritable maternal traits like fertility and health.
The 60/40 Sync Program provides a flexible framework for beef producers to create sustainable and resilient breeding systems. By balancing maternal and terminal goals, it enables the production of fertile, efficient replacement females while enhancing carcass quality in terminal animals, offering a comprehensive strategy for modern beef operations.
