INVEST IN TOP FEMALES TO
MAXIMIZE PROFITS
January 2020
by the Minnesota/Select Sires Genetics Team
ProfitMAXTM is a complete program offering the expertise of Select Sires’ reproductive and genetic specialists with the goal of maximizing profits in your next best generation. It is not exclusively about beef on dairy; more importantly, it focuses on investing in the best future replacements for your herd. Spending less on the bottom genetics of your herd by using beef semen allows producers to maintain their semen budget and invest more in elite genetics for the top of the herd. Those top females in your herd are what will create the most profit for your operation. Based on the data gathered from genetic audits in many herds, it’s evident that the top genetics outperform the low end genetics through higher milk and component production, overall reproductive performance, less health events and a longer lasting cow. You can see the genetic differences between the top and bottom quartiles and how they are performing in this herd example: Lactation 1 Only
*Average Net Merit$
Once you have identified animals with the highest profit potential using pedigree or genomic data, using an aggressive genetic development plan will provide a solid foundation for creating more profitable herd replacements. Those top end genetics in your next generation are the most important to creating a profitable future. This also means that by only breeding a small, elite group of your females to dairy, you need to ensure that you make the best, most informed decisions. You can ensure the right decisions are being made by utilizing the Igenity genomic test options offered by Minnesota/Select Sires. Previously, when breeding everything to dairy, if mistakes were made, they could be culled. Today, it’s too costly to raise excess
heifers just to cull them and expect to recoup your investment. In order to minimize your risk, it’s important to select the right group of females and use the very best genetics, as well as sexed semen, to ensure the most profitable replacements. Every herd is unique in the amount of risk they’re willing to take. You may be more comfortable using progeny proven bulls to create your best next generation. A proven bull that is very high ranking with a lot of progeny will be a lower risk option than a brand new young sire. But, if genomic sires fit your genetic plan, make sure and utilize a group of bulls rather than one individual bull. Remember that if you work with bulls in the top quartile, they tend to stay near the top, even though there is typically some genetic drift. Another option to consider when utilizing ProfitMax is the NxGENTM program at Select Sires. NxGEN is a membership program that offers early access to the most elite genetics from the Select Sires breeding program. The goal of the program is to provide genetic advantages to our members who are looking for the next level genetic gains. As a member of NxGEN you will have unprecedented, early access to the industry’s most valuable genetics. You’ll find balanced sires with industry-leading values for the most profitable traits. In return, you’ll be able to minimize your herd’s generation interval while maximizing your genetic gain. Whichever path you choose, you can rely on the guidance and expertise of the local team at Minnesota/Select Sires to analyze the data from your herd and tailor the program to fit your goals and create your next most profitable generation.