The Beef-on-Dairy Query tool, scheduled to launch in 2025 on the LactanetGen.ca website, has been designed with the primary goal of assisting dairy farmers in making informed decisions when selecting Angus sires. By utilizing this tool, farmers will be able to enhance their confidence in sire selection, ultimately leading to increased profitability. Angus bulls have consistently been the preferred choice, making up over 80% of beef-on-dairy inseminations in 2024. Renowned for their shorter gestation length, smaller birth weights, superior marbling, and high carcass weight, Angus sires are an excellent option for breeding with dairy cows.
The Beef-on-Dairy Query tool provides users with the ability to search for Canadian and American Angus bulls by Name and further refine their search by selecting bulls with semen actively marketed in Canada. The tool also allows users to view the evaluation of 11 key traits in terms of either “Estimated RBV” or “GE-EPD” values. By default, the Estimated RBV values are displayed, presenting traits on a consistent pre-defined scale similar to dairy cattle genetic evaluations for functional traits. The average value for Estimated RBV is set at 100, with a standard deviation of 5. Values exceeding 100 are considered favorable. This format enables dairy producers to compare values across multiple traits using a uniform scale, making it easier to identify elite Angus sires that excel in specific traits. Alternatively, users can opt to view evaluations by GE-EPD, which displays traits based on the original scale of expression published by AGI, as detailed in Table 1.
The $AxH and $AxJ indexes, which have economic implications, will be expressed in dollars per head regardless of the evaluation unit selected. Similar to Lactanet’s Group Query tool for dairy animals, all columns in the Beef-on-Dairy Query tool are sortable, allowing users to filter results based on their priority traits. Upon submitting a query, the default sort will be based on the $AxH Index. Once a sire of interest has been identified, users can refer to the corresponding NAAB Marketing Code to determine which A.I. company to contact for further information.
The Beef-on-Dairy Query tool revolutionizes the process of Angus sire selection for dairy farmers by providing a user-friendly platform to access valuable information and make data-driven decisions. By leveraging this tool, farmers can streamline their sire selection process, ensuring they choose sires that align with their breeding objectives and ultimately contribute to their bottom line. The tool’s intuitive interface and comprehensive data display options make it a valuable resource for dairy farmers seeking to optimize their breeding programs and maximize profitability.
In conclusion, the Beef-on-Dairy Query tool is a game-changer for dairy farmers looking to enhance their Angus sire selection process. By offering a range of search and evaluation options, this tool empowers farmers to make informed decisions that align with their breeding goals and financial objectives. With the launch of this tool on the LactanetGen.ca website in 2025, dairy farmers can look forward to a more efficient and effective sire selection process that drives profitability and success in their breeding programs.