From composted manure and beef-cross calves to methane-powered electricity and renewable natural gas, dairies continue to explore paths to garner bonus revenue beyond the traditional cash crop of milk.
The latest idea may be another collaboration between dairy producers and their beef cattle brethren: embryo surrogacy. Or stated another way, renting out uteruses.
“Right now, there are so many more embryos sitting in tanks than sitting in cows,” declared show stock photographer J. Brad Hook of Humeston, Iowa, host of the “Genuine JBH” podcast. Hook lamented that in the beef cattle show stock world, breeders have made remarkable strides in genetic analysis and mating that consistently produce excellent offspring. But what has not kept up with the breakneck pace of genetic progress and embryo development is the recipients in which to put them.
By MAUREEN HANSON
August 9, 2024
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