Dairy farmers across the country now have easy access to superior strategic breeding genetics thanks to this expanded partnership. Select Sires is the first and only provider of Simplot’s SimVitroHerdFlex-branded beef embryos.

This partnership gives dairy farmers increased opportunity to sell 100% beef calves of high-quality born from pregnancies not needed for herd replacements. Simultaneously, dairies can advance elite genetics within their dairy herd and appropriately manage heifer inventories.

“Select Sires works side-by-side with customers to create a customized path for their genetic progress goals with a strategic breeding plan. HerdFlex beef embryos are the latest advancement in our long commitment to dairy farmers to help them reach their goal of constant improvement,” said Lyle Kruse, Select Sires vice president of U.S. market development.

CONSISTENT GENETIC QUALITY
As progressive dairy farms seek new marketing opportunities while improving dairy and business performance, HerdFlex beef embryos offer a way to accomplish their objectives. That’s because beef calves with superior genetics have the potential to earn a more desirable return on investment compared to dairy-beef crossbred calves or straight dairy calves. Resulting calves from these beef embryos offer additional benefits related to feeding and finishing.

These calves are of a consistent, superior genetic base, providing farmers and feeders a cost per gain advantage due to high carcass merit and marbling. Plus, the ready supply of embryos means animal availability year-round, delivering a consistent supply to the beef cattle market.

HerdFlex beef embryos are grade 1, high-quality and commercially produced specifically for placement in dairy cows. Each mating is to a proven Select Sires beef sire to maximize the resulting embryo’s genetic potential and value for key traits:

  • Feed efficient 
  • Genetically uniform 
  • High in carcass merit and marbling with potential to qualify for Certified Angus Beef® premiums 
  • Available year-round with a consistent supply 

PARTNERSHIP OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
HerdFlex beef embryos are produced by Simplot, the largest beef cattle producer in the western U.S. with extensive farm and ranch holdings, including feedlots. Simplot has invested decades of research and improvement in making the commercial application of IVF embryos feasible for customers.

“Our HerdFlex beef embryos production capacity is poised to serve commercial dairies and their growing needs,” said Brady Hicks, manager of Simplot Animal Sciences. “Our mission is to help farmers cultivate their genetics and their livelihoods. Along with local Select Sires teams, we’re here to help farmers expand business opportunities.”

Talk with your local Select Sires team member about how HerdFlex beef embryos fit into your breeding program.

SimVitro HerdFlex embryos are backed by the trusted Simplot brand. The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has an integrated portfolio that includes phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, food processing, food brands, and other enterprises related to agriculture. Simplot’s major operations are located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America and China, with products marketed in more than 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit simplot.com.

 

Are Beef Embryos a Fit For Your Herd?
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SimVitro HerdFlex Beef Embryo FAQ
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SimVitro HerdFlex Full Beef Embryos in Dairies
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Beef Embryos in Strategic Breeding Programs
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are SimVitro® HerdFlex™ embryos?
SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos are IVF embryos commercially produced by the J.R. Simplot Company. The embryos are created using Simplot’s Genetic Recover Oocytes (GROs) from beef herds in the USA to match your specific needs.

What are Simplot® Generic Recover Oocytes (GROs)?
Simplot GROs are the specific oocytes used to create SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos. Simplot GROs are sourced based on your goals and needs. The GROs are mated to a proven sire to maximize the resulting embryo’s genetic potential.

How are SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos different from standard beef x dairy breeding?
The beef x dairy cross calf market continues to see declining premiums. A full-breed beef calf can see greater premiums.

How do I order HerdFlex™ beef embryos for my operation?
SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos are available for order through a network of distributors. Locate your local distributor using our distribution map and contact a representative today.

Will HerdFlex™ beef embryos increase the profitability of my calves?
Depending on market price for day-old calves, HerdFlex™ beef embryos can earn up to 30x more than a day-old Jersey and 6.7x more than a day-old Holstein calf.

Do SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos negatively affect calving ease?
No, SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryo sires are specifically chosen with calving ease in mind and should not negatively affect calving.

What is the generic level of calves from SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos?
SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos can be customized to meet your unique and specific genetic needs.

What pregnancy rates can I expect with SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos?
You can expect to achieve pregnancy rates similar to the rates achieved by Artificial Insemination (AI). Heat stressed and repeat breeders can even expect an improvement in pregnancy rate over AI because the implanted embryo circumvents fertility-related challenges and starts with the placement of an already viable embryo. Pregnancy rates do however vary greatly because of factors like environment, animal management, recipient quality and season.

Why are SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos recommended as a solution to seasonal challenges in reproduction?
SimVitro® HerdFlex™ beef embryos can improve the pregnancy rate in a herd by overcoming heat stress. Previous industry research using commercial IVF embryos showed a 10 percent increase in one-cycle pregnancy rate vs. AI in the same herds. Heat stressed animals show an improvement because the implanted embryo circumvents fertility-related challenges and starts with the placement of an already viable embryo.

What can Simplot’s expertise do for me?
The Simplot Company’s deep knowledge of the IVF technology and commercial agriculture allows it to leverage multiple market approaches to help producers achieve their goals. Simplot has a deep, pioneering history in plant and food agriculture, which has fueled research for new ways to develop and feed animals in sustained ecosystems. A strong understanding of commercial-scale food resource development and production has provided the spirit to take advanced reproductive technologies – such as IVF – to a scale beyond breeding stock production and allows commercial dairy producers and cattlemen alike to apply the technology to their businesses.

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