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In April 2019, the American Simmental Association (ASA) and Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) announced the formation of the HOLSimTM branded beef program that identifies elite SimAngusTM bulls with specific production attributes as mating solutions for dairy producers who breed some of their herd to beef.
The program's objective is: to provide additional revenue to dairy producers through the production of value-added terminal calves; to offer new marketing avenues for progressive beef seedstock operations; and to offer a consistent supply of high-quality calves better situated to capture market premiums; and to deliver mating solutions for dairy farmers who breed some of their herd to beef.
In recent years, the use of beef semen in a dairy’s breeding program has become more common. However, no single beef breed has been developed to address the needs of a Holstein female when producing a terminal calf. Composite bulls, like SimAngus, combine the strengths of 2 breeds (Simmental and Angus) to better complement a Holstein female. SimAngus cattle combine the added muscling and muscle conformation from Simmental with the marbling and grading ability of Angus. SimAngus sired cattle have become highly sought after in the beef industry, producing cattle that provide economic advantages for customers.
Holstein females + HOLSim bulls = More profitable terminal calf
Holstein producers that have decided to include beef semen in their herds breeding program can determine which females produce the herd’s replacements. By using sexed semen from elite Holstein sires on top end genetics, and HOLSim sires on the herd’s bottom end genetics, breeders can accelerate genetic progress in their herd while also maintaining proper replacement female inventories for their future milking herd. All HOLSim bulls are homozygous black and homozygous polled. They also have been identified by the HOLSim index as the best complements to Holstein females, possessing traits that are economically relevant to Holstein cattle, such as calving ease, muscle conformation, grading ability and a sensitivity to carcass length.
The HOLSim index was created to help dairy producers, that made the management decision to include beef semen in their herd’s breeding program, identify SimAngus bulls that are most complimentary to Holstein females. It uses the IGS Feeder Profit Calculator, the industry leader in feeder cattle evaluation as the foundation for the HOLSim index. Similar to TPI or NM$, the HOLSim index evaluates bulls for a variety of economically relevant traits. The HOLSim index places an emphasis on calving ease and carcass traits (in particular marbling and muscle conformation), while also maintaining a sensitivity to carcass length and frame size.
To be eligible for the HOLSim list, bulls must be SimAngus, with a breed composition of 3/8 to 3/4 Simmental, and the balance being Angus. Bulls must be homozygous black and homozygous polled. And must meet a minimum HOLSim index threshold.
Qualifying for the HOLSim list is not easy, and bulls that do represent an elite group of beef genetics, specifically selected for use on Holstein females.
Learn more here, visit simmental.org or holsteinusa.com, or contact Darin Johnson at 802.451.4048, or by email.
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