50 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 Virtual Fencing Virtual fencing is an innovative technology that uses GPS-enabled collars and radio signals to create invisible boundaries for livestock. This allows farmers and ranchers to control where and when their animals graze with less reliance on physical fences. Virtual fencing allows for more flexibility and can be easily adjusted, allowing for more controlled management of grazing areas. This technology improves soil health by preventing overgrazing, increases biodiversity by allowing more controlled grazing patterns and enhances carbon sequestration by promoting healthier plant growth. Overall, virtual fencing will significantly impact grazing management plans, making them more efficient and sustainable. Artificial Insemination Artificial insemination (AI) has transformed livestock production by enhancing productivity and sustainability through more accurate genetic selection. Dan Stein, Ph.D., associate professor, Oklahoma State University, noted that through the selection and incorporation of some of the available assisted reproductive technologies such as estrous synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) into the breeding program, producers can enhance the use of resources to maximize profitability while improving or maintaining the sustainability of beef cattle production. Proper implementation of an AI program can improve animal health through more effective disease control, reduce environmental impact and offers access to superior genetics that otherwise would not be available to producers. When managed properly, AI leads to better herd management, earlier calving and higher weaning percentages. It also optimizes efficiency, reducing feed reLEVERAGING GENETICS AND TECHNOLOGY AS SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48 Virtual fencing collar CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 150 60% AI Sexcel sexed semen 40% AI Conventional 100% natural service 100% natural service 55% 90% 42 47 50% 6% 50% 50% 14 57 29 76 65% 50% 22 44 60% 50% 8 15 = = = = FIRST CYCLE SEGMENTATION CONCEPTION SKEW TOTAL CALF CROP TOTAL FIRST CYCLE DESIRED MALE CALVES TOTAL* 71 Second CYCLE 25 THIRD CYCLE 9 OPENS of herd produced CALVES in First CYCLE 73% of herd produced MALE Calves in First CYCLE 86 134 64% of herd produced MALE Calves in TOTAL CALF CROP 60/40 SYnch Scenario Increase number of male calves *Based on a 95% weaned calf rate Profit from Genetic Progress | 800.ABS.STUD | ABSglobal.com Would Having More Steer Calves Positively Impact Your Bottom Line? 60 40 SYNCH ABS Global’s Sexcel® 60/40 Synch is a strategic breeding program that has historically been used to design the right replacement heifers from the right segment of your cow herd. However, we understand that no two operations are the same, and thus, they have differing goals for the utilization of AI. Given the $20-$40/CWT price spread between males and females in the industry today, we flipped the script and utilized sexed male semen in the model here to increase revenue generated. Whatever your goals, use Sexcel 60/40 Synch to skew the sex rate of your calf crop and maximize profits. BOBBY STRECKER | District Sales Manager 920.571.2722 | Bobby.Strecker@genusplc.com STEPHANIE NELSON | Sales Team Leader 309.333.8463 | Stephanie.Nelson@genusplc.com Contact us to help you increase profits by skewing the gender ratio of your calf crop. NebraskaCattleman_JAN_1224_7-25x4-875_Ad.indd 1 1/10/25 12:52 PM quirements and environmental impact. Technological advancements like sexed semen and wearable health monitors
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