Boost Calf Profitability with Dovea Genetics Elite Dairy Beef Sire Range

Across modern dairy herds, the path to higher on-farm profitability lies not only in dairy sire selection but also in well-chosen beef sires, intelligent use of reproductive technologies, and precise management of calving and finishing. Dovea Genetics partners with forward-thinking dairy farmers to select beef sires that deliver easy calving, strong carcass traits, and reliable finish. Here are three case studies showing how Dovea’s sire lineup and tools are helping farms maximise profits from their beef enterprises.

Case Study 1: Michael Kennedy – Dairy sexed semen utilised on the top cows in the herd with all of the remainder served with elite beef sires, with strong focus on DBI and Beef SI.

Farm profile: 75 Holstein-Friesian cows, ~6,500 litres average, ~520–530 kg solids; emphasis on high-quality saleable calves.

Breeding strategy: Uses sexed semen on the top 25% of cows and heifers (about 15 per year), then moves to elite Dovea Genetics Dairy Beef sires for the remainder. Top cows may get a second run of sexed semen if they’re repeat breeders; otherwise, beef straws for repeats.

Beef sire selection: Prioritises DBI and Beef SI; current AI roster includes Kealkil Stockman (AA7188), Ringfort 1 Carlos (HE8935), Bricolage De Beauffaux (BB4494), An De Beauffaux (BB4438) and Angus triple mix (AAM113). Michael prefers to opt for polled Hereford options when possible, with easy calving and short gestation as targets; docility also valued. Michael places more focus on Beef SI for the first 3-4 weeks with a shift in focus from June to short gestation sires and fertility solutions (Spermvital & Triple Mix).

Finishing and market focus: Sells most beef stock as weanlings; most recent batch averaged 325 kg at 12 months at €1,380. He occasionally sells Friesian bulls as calves and Belgian Blues. Michael's Dovea Genetics sired Belgian Blue calves averaged €700 at 80 kg this year.

Technology and knowledge use: Extensively used Triple Mix AAM113 and having a very positive experience with Spermvital, noting fewer repeats when compared to conventional beef straws.

Dovea’s robust high DBI/Beef SI options support Michael’s emphasis on high-quality saleable calves with predictable carcass potential. The availability of polled, easy-calving lines complements his calving-ease goals, while integration with sexed semen aligns with his top-line management. Spermvital and Triple Mix tools help maximise conception with beef sires, reducing repeats and improving on-farm efficiency.

Profit impact approach: Strategic split-season AI and careful sire choice aim to deliver uniform, high-quality calves for repeat buyers, with efficient finishing and strong on-farm value through predictable carcass performance.

Case Study 2: Irwin Moyles – High-beef-sire emphasis, exploring new technologies to boost conception and finish

Farm profile: 110 Holstein-Friesian cows; 6,000 litres with ~450 kg solids; heifers calving around 520 kg.

Breeding strategy: Uses conventional Friesian on about 60 cows and beef straws on the remainder. Friesian semen on some cows is paused after ~6 weeks, with repeats using beef straw.

Beef sire selection: Strong focus on easy calving and gestation; strong interest in carcass performance due to on-farm slaughter. Currently using Kealkil Prime Lad (AA4743), Keirsbeath Karma (AA4638), Skehanore Fruitful (HE7545).

Finishing system: Finishes all beef calves on-farm; typical finish targets around 22–25 months. Bullocks average ~330 kg deadweight; heifers 280–300 kg. Irwin recently slaughtered 5 heifers the week of 15th December averaging 290Kg deadweight at €2200.

Technology and knowledge use: Irwin works closely with his local Dovea Genetics sales representative to select optimum sires for his system opting for proven sires with superior carcass traits.

Beef-sire impact: Sires chosen to maximise ease of calving and efficient finish while maintaining carcass quality. The beef-sire lineup supports his aim of high finishing value with predictable outcomes for on-farm slaughter.

Profit impact approach: By optimizing conception with beef sires and reducing calving difficulties, Irwin lowers labour and waste while delivering consistently finishing-yielding progeny.

Case Study 3: Ger Gowing – Split-season breeding for top carcass traits and reliable on-farm finishing

Farm profile: 200 Holstein-Friesian cows; calves 60% of heifers at 22–24 months; calving weights ~520 kg; production of 8,500 litres and 560 kg solids.

Breeding strategy: Split-season approach with Spring and Autumn programs. Spring breeding starts mid-April; Autumn starts early November. Ger uses a mix of sexed dairy semen and conventional dairy semen, with almost all repeats receiving a Dovea Genetics beef straw.

Beef sire selection: Places highest emphasis on carcass traits; aims for high-value calves with good finish. Utilisng predominantly Belgian Blue and Angus sires to balance calving ease with carcass yield.

Sires used include:

• Bricolage De Beauffaux (BB4494)

• An De Beauffaux (BB4438)

• Negrita Du Lac (BB8019)

• Ryans Victorious (AA9843)

• Carrowboy Vegas (AA1506)

• Liss Bruno (AA8938)

  All beef stock are finished on-farm; Angus progeny typically yielding R grades; Belgian Blue progeny also achieving an R grade with occasional U grades, averaging 450 kg DW at 22–24 months.

Finishing system: Grass-based with spring calves out on grass with just 1–2 kg meal for their first summer; Autumn calves go to grass for one summer with no meal. On-farm finishing of beef stock, targeting consistent carcass outcomes for premium markets (including involvement in Beef20Twenty Club for guaranteed slaughter bonuses).

Technology and knowledge use: Utilising collars to effectively manage AI timing & optimise conception.

Beef-sire impact: Uses a diverse DBI/Beef SI-informed lineup to maximise carcass weight and uniformity while maintaining calving ease within tolerances (not exceeding 8–9% calving difficulty with BB sires).

Profit impact approach: Ger’s multi-season, carcass-focused strategy aligns with on-farm finishing and premium markets. The emphasis on consistent R-grade carcasses, combined with the Beef20Twenty Club program, stabilises margins and provides predictable rewards for high-quality beef calves.

The value of Dovea Genetics beef sires for dairy herds

• Calving ease and gestation control: All three farms emphasise easy calving and controlled gestation as foundations for reliable calving patterns and less labour.

• Carcass-focused beef traits: High emphasis on carcass weight, finish quality, and market premiums (including CBV considerations) aligns with Dovea’s elite quality & Beef SI-focused sire selection.

• Flexible breeding approaches: Split-season strategies are supported by Dovea’s sire lineup and advisory services, enabling farms to tailor mating plans to their calendars and calving targets.

• Embracing innovation: Spermvital, Triple Mix, and male sexed semen show how Dovea’s technologies can boost conception rates and calf uniformity, delivering more predictable profits.

• Market-focused sales: On-farm sales, repeat customers, and premium markets (including club programs) benefit from consistent calf quality and predictable finishing performance—areas where Dovea Genetics sires are unmatched.

If you’re a dairy farmer looking to enhance your beef enterprise, Dovea Genetics offers a proven range of beef sires paired with cutting-edge reproductive technologies and expert support to tailor a plan for your herd. Contact Dovea Genetics today to explore the best beef sires for your dairy operation and how our tools can improve conception, calf quality, and on-farm profitability.