Vytelle SENSE™ accelerating the right genetics, faster.
A look at success rates with Vytelle IVF
We all want to know the data and dollars matters most. And for cattle producers, feed efficiency is one of the most critical factors of both.
Vytelle’s SENSETM system took centre stage in May, with producers, scientists and other industry professionals gathering in Brisbane, Queensland to talk all things herd productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
Caption: Dr David Johnston, principal scientist at AGBU, speaks to a captivated room on the importance of feed intake data.
Vytelle’s Feed Efficiency Day drew attendees from across Australia, along with delegates from Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, the United States, Portugal, China, and the Czech Republic – all coming together to get the latest insights on how to maximise the impact of feed efficiency data. Vytelle also opened the doors to the Vytelle ADVANCE™ IVF Lab, offering a behind-the-scenes experience.
From numbers to know-how
Feed efficiency data transforms complexity into practical insights, delivering information producers can actually use – and so did Vytelle’s Feed Efficiency Day.
Vytelle CEO, Kerryann Kocher took to the stage to share how the Vytelle ADVANCE and Vytelle SENSE technology works hand-in-hand to double genetic gain with an extra calf per Ovum Pick-Up (OPU), at a lower cost per calf.
“Feed efficiency data is the foundation of this mission for improved genetics, and once the right genetics are identified, the Vytelle ADVANCE technology is the logical next step for enhanced embryo development, early genetic selection, and an improved pregnancy rate,” Kerryann explained.
Andrew Donoghue, Regional Director for Vytelle Australia and New Zealand, shared the trends in the uptake of measuring for feed efficiency. The shift from research organisations to seedstock operations shows just how important feed efficiency is for driving both sustainability and profitability in beef production.
“The use of Net Feed Intake (expected feed intake vs actual feed intake) delivers cow efficiency. This equals more animal units on the same resources,” Andrew explained.
Dr David Johnston, scientist at the University of New England’s Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, shared three key insights when it comes to breed improvement tools for profit:
- Feed intake and feed efficiency are under genetic control and can be changed by selection.
- Profitable breeding requires including feed (amount and cost) in the breeding objective.
- Selection for feed intake and efficiency needs to be done in conjunction with all other economically important traits.
David said it was encouraging to see an increase in seedstock breeders collecting feed intake data. He hopes more producers will start measuring feed efficiency data, seeing it as the key to identifying top-performing animals and reproducing these traits to create profitable, sustainable operations.
“You empower producers by providing them with a genetic prediction – you’re influencing their herd for the next 5-10 years,” David said.
“If we want to be improving feed efficiency and feed intake of our herds in the future, then the decisions made now are going to have an impact for quite some time.”
Gold star in feed efficiency data
Dr. Joe Grose, owner of premier Wagyu operation 3D Genetics, has collected over 5000 feed intake phenotypes – the largest data set of any individual breeder across the country.
This represents the largest data set of any individual breeder across the country, and is similar to the total phenotypes collected in the entire Australian Angus cattle population.
Disciplined data collection is at the forefront of 3D Genetics’ success. The business makes its breeding decisions based on high-quality data collection, building a resilient herd – while maximising dollars.
“Utilising a multi trait selection system that places appropriate economic values on the traits of marbling and feed efficiency has led to animals with much higher marbling without increases in feed intake,” Joe shared.
“An unexpected bonus has been the reduction of lower value fat deposits such as subcutaneous, intermuscular, and visceral fat.
Understanding body composition shapes the way feed efficiency data impacts operational decisions at 3D Genetics.
“t is much more energetically costly to lay down a kilogram of fat compared to a kilogram of lean skeletal growth,” Joe said,
For Joe, Vytelle’s Feed Efficiency Day delivered big value, bringing together champions of feed efficiency, all eager to embrace opportunities and tackle the need for greater efficiency in the beef supply chain.
Technologies unlocking better breeding
Unlocking new insights into the feed efficiency database is a priority for Vytelle. Producers want to make smarter selection, breeding, and management decisions – and Vytelle’s determined to help them get there.
Vytelle’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Jason Osterstock, shared key developments in the research and development pipeline for the Vytelle SENSE technology.
“Updates to our analysis pipeline and genetic evaluation will ensure we continue to deliver the best genetic information, backed by the industry’s largest, multi-breed feed intake and efficiency database,” Jason said.
Vytelle’s move to the use of single step evaluation combines genomic, pedigree, and phenotypic data into a single model for evaluating breeding values, delivering a more robust evaluation to customers. Customers interested in submitting genotypes now have this possibility should contact [email protected] to learn more.
Jason highlighted the importance of sustainable beef production, sharing how Vytelle recognises its technologies potential to drive sustainability.When it comes to assessing sustainable beef production comprehensively, Vytelle’s now on a mission to track multiple metrics: feed intake, water consumption, and methane emissions. A Vytelle has developed an integrated methane sensor providing the opportunity to measure feed intake and enteric methane emissions along with weight gain. Currently in field testing, it is set to deliver this capability at 10x less cost then current technology allows for. Contact [email protected] for expressions of interest.
Caption: Vytelle staff from the USA, South America, and Australia, gathered for the Feed Efficiency Day.
Why the ‘why’ matters in telling your story
Sharper messaging. Clearer communication – because the feed efficiency story matters.
Communications expert and Writers Who Editor-in-Chief, Lyndsey Douglas, shared a live case study with participants, shining the spotlight on how producers can develop their unique message and connect with consumers.
“There’s a great narrative to be shared around beef sustainability and efficiency that highlights how progressive producers are future-proofing agriculture both for their own industry and its customers.”
“It can be as simple as showing off your feed efficiency tools and tactics – showing how they differ to traditional beef production – and why it’s a focus for your operation. You can do this with a social media reel or a series of photos, showing a local journalist your system, or welcoming consumers onto your property,” Lyndsey says.
Data meets day-to-day success
The Vytelle Feed Efficiency Day showed just how powerful good data can be for beef production. From genetic breakthroughs to practical tips, the event highlighted that feed efficiency data isn’t just numbers – it’s the backbone of profitable, sustainable operations ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
