Smart breeding with Belgian Blue for maximum revenue
Increasing numbers of farmers are consciously opting for an extra revenue stream. A strongly rising trend is the use of beef on dairy bulls. The share of beef on dairy crossbreds in the Netherlands has risen from 9% to 27%* in the last ten years. Belgian Blue (BB) bulls are often used because of the advantages they give in terms of calving ease, calf vitality and economic value.
Breeding with a clear vision
The success of a crossbreeding strategy all starts with the right choice of bull. “The choice of the bull determines the end result,” emphasises breeding consultant Pierre Litjens of K.I. Samen. “For years, we have selected our bulls for calving ease, short gestation times, vitality and muscularity. That is precisely what dairy farmers want: healthy calves and a smooth start for the cow.”
Calving ease and short gestation time
An easy calving process is essential for both the cow and the calf. “Bulls with a high score for calving ease ensure that calves are born easier and with fewer complications,” says Pierre. “The breeding strategy at K.I. Samen has focused on this trait for years and that is now paying off. Our bulls invariably rank among the high scorers for calving ease and dominate the top 10 in the Netherlands.” Our bull chart on page 13 lists an overview of our Belgian Blue breeding bulls. The calving ease, gestation time and the number of calves are all stated.
Belgian Bull bulls from van ’t Zandeind
Jos Huijbregts, known for the van ’t Zandeind bulls, is one of the breeders K.I. Samen cooperates with. Just like K.I. Samen, he focuses on calving ease and short gestation times. Jos: “It’s an advantage if the cow has a shorter gestation length. A lighter weight calf not only makes the calving process easier, it also means you can milk the cow sooner.”
Belgian Blue Bulls from K.I. Samen rank among the high scorers for calving ease and dominate the top 10 in the Netherlands
Vital and muscular calves
As well as calving ease and short gestation times, calf vitality also plays a key role. Pierre explains: “A vital calf that immediately drinks well will grow faster and command a higher price. The beef on dairy bull Henny van de Blomsteeg is a fine example of this: his offspring are born light, are full of energy and develop quickly. A farmer said to me: ‘My wife is happy, at least these calves drink!’ And as everyone knows: A happy wife = a happy life.” As well as vitality, muscularity is also very important in the breeding programme. Pierre: “The ideal calf has fine bones and strong muscle development. Well-muscled calves are powerful and robust, which contributes to efficient growth and a higher price for the calves.”
Price development in the Netherlands of a black-and-white bull calf (43-47 kg) and a 50% Belgian Blue bull calf (50-55 kg) from November 2023 to March 2025.
Use male sexed semen for bull calves
Sexed semen offers a solution for farmers who want an even tighter grip on their operating results, “Choosing to produce bull calves means you can benefit from a higher price for the calves,” Pierre explains. “This allows dairy farmers to sharpen the focus on profitability. K.I. Samen offers sexed semen – male and female – from various Belgian Blue bulls.”
Belgian Blue: a smart choice
Choosing Belgian Blue beef on dairy bulls offers dairy farmers numerous advantages: a shorter gestation period, smooth calving process, vital and muscular calves and better operating margins and profits. And by using sexed semen, farmers can optimise their calf price and respond even better to market demands.
* Source: https://veeteeltvlees.nl/fokkerij/populariteit-gebruikskruisingneemt-toe
