CRV

What CRV does

CRV (Coöperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a.) is a member-owned cooperative founded in 1874 and headquartered in Arnhem, Netherlands, specializing in cattle breeding, milk recording, embryo transplantation, and artificial insemination. The company is co-owned by nearly 23,000 dairy farmers in the Netherlands and Flanders and operates its own offices in 12 countries (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, UK, Czech Republic, USA, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa), reaching customers in more than 60 countries through a distributor network. The Dairy Breeding Center in Wirdum is Europe's largest embryo production facility, placing over 8,000 embryos annually and producing 3,500+ young bull calves for genomic testing each year.

The product portfolio spans bull genetics across multiple breeds (Holstein, Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, MRIJ, Jersey, Belgian Blue) and breeding strategies including sexed semen (SiryX, ~90% female offspring), crossbreeding (Xsires), genomic young-bull selection (InSire), and exclusive early access (CRV CREATE). The technology backbone rests on proprietary indexes — CRV Gezondheid (health: fertility, udder, hooves), CRV Efficiëntie (feed efficiency, longevity, production), and the world's first methane-reduction breeding index — all derived from massive proprietary datasets including 3+ million cow records for udder health, 1.6+ million for hoof health, 10,000+ lactating cows for feed intake, and 14,000 cows for methane emissions. The integrated CRV Managementpakket software suite (CRV Dier, CRV Bedrijf, CRV Fokkerij, CRV Mineraal) links with Lely, DeLaval, and GEA milking robots via EMM-koppeling, while services cover the full reproductive value chain: StierAdviesProgramma mating advice, Vruchtbaarheid op Maat fertility management, MPR milk recording, OPU/IVP and MOET embryo programs, and a 365-day inseminator network.

The business model is hybrid: transactional revenue from semen, embryos, and insemination services; recurring subscriptions for software (Managementpakket €8.30/month plus €0.39/animal at base tier) and milk recording (MPR €22.90/month plus €0.69/cow); per-unit pricing for marker tests (€25.95–€30.95 depending on volume); and annual cooperative membership fees (€110/year). Distribution is multi-channel — direct e-commerce via shop.crv4all.nl, a field network of trained inseminators and breeding specialists, and international distributors — while strategic partnerships with WUR, FrieslandCampina, Belgian Blue Group, Alta/Genex/Jetstream/Evolution (PEAK), New Generation, Select Star, and BGS extend the genetic and R&D pipeline. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

CRV

Legal name

Coöperatie Koninklijke CRV u.a.

Website

https://crv4all.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1874

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

CRV is a Dutch-Flemish cooperative founded in 1874 that provides cattle genetics, breeding services, milk recording, and farm management software to nearly 23,000 member dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Flanders, and over 60 countries worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cattle Breeding Genetics and Herd Improvement Services

NAICS

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production (112120), Beef Cattle Ranching and Farming (112111), Dual-Purpose Cattle Ranching and Farming (112130)

SIC

Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200)

akta.pro primary industry

Dairy Breeding & Genetics (AI, Embryo Transfer) (AFAEACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cloning & Advanced Reproductive Technologies Services (AFAEAJAL), Seedstock/Purebred Beef Cattle Breeding (AFAEABAD), Commercial Beef Cattle Breeding (Crossbred) (AFAEABAE)

Keywords

• Cattle breeding genetics
• Dairy herd management
• Artificial insemination services
• Milk recording services
• Embryo transfer services

Headquarters

HQ city

Arnhem

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Genetic Products (Semen and Embryos): CRV sells bull semen (conventional and sexed/siryX), embryos, and breeding materials through its webshop. This includes Holstein, Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, Jersey, MRIJ, Belgian White Blue, and other breeds.
2. Breeding Services: Artificial insemination services, pregnancy checks, fertility management, embryo transfer (OPU/IVP, MOET), and breeding advice through the StierAdviesProgramma and Vruchtbaarheid op Maat programs.
3. Management Software Subscriptions: CRV Managementpakket including CRV Dier, CRV Bedrijf, CRV Fokkerij, and CRV Mineraal applications offered as monthly subscriptions. Also individual product subscriptions like MPR (Melkproductieregistratie).
4. Milk Recording Services: Melkproductieregistratie (MPR) milk recording services including sampling, testing for fat, protein, lactose, urea, ketosis, and somatic cell count.
5. Cooperative Membership: Nearly 23,000 dairy farmers in Netherlands and Flanders are member-owners of CRV cooperative, contributing to company governance and accessing exclusive benefits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CRV is a cooperative cattle breeding organization that sells dairy and beef cattle genetics (bull semen, sexed semen, embryos) across multiple breeds (Holstein, Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, MRIJ, Jersey) and provides related on-farm services including artificial insemination, fertility management, embryo transfer, milk recording, and a modular herd management software suite. Nearly 23,000 member dairy farmers in the Netherlands and Flanders co-own the company, and CRV distributes its genetics to more than 60 countries through its own offices and distributor network.

Product overview

CRV is a cooperative breeding organization offering a comprehensive dairy and beef cattle genetics portfolio alongside integrated farm management software applications. The core offering includes world-class bull genetics across multiple breeds (Holstein, Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, MRIJ, Jersey) and breeding strategies (sexed semen, crossbreeding, genomic selection), complemented by a modular software suite comprising CRV Dier (herd management), CRV Bedrijf (business intelligence), CRV Fokkerij (breeding management), and CRV Mineraal (manure management), all available individually or bundled in the CRV Managementpakket. Services span the full breeding value chain: the StierAdviesProgramma (SAP) for mating advice, artificial insemination, fertility management (Vruchtbaarheid op Maat), milk recording (MPR), embryo transfer (OPU/IVP, CRV Elite), and specialized programs like InSire (genomic selection) and CRV CREATE (early-access exclusive genetics). CRV positions itself as a global leader in cattle health and efficiency, with breeding programs supported by extensive data collection including methane reduction indexes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CRV FeedExcel: Breeding strategy focused on feed-efficient cattle that produce more milk from the same amount of feed, based on feed intake data from over 10,000 lactating cows.
• StierAdviesProgramma (SAP)
• CRV Gezondheid
• CRV Efficiëntie
• Vruchtbaarheid op Maat
• Melkproductieregistratie (MPR)
• SiryX
• Xsires Crossbreeding
• InSire
• CRV Elite
• CRV CREATE
• Hoornloos (Polled)

Products and services

• StierAdviesProgramma (SAP) Bull selection advisory program providing personalized mating advice for dairy herds, considering genomic breeding values, inbreeding, hereditary defects, and calving ease to optimize herd improvement. In operation for over 40 years.
• Melkproductieregistratie (MPR) Milk production recording service providing reliable data on milk composition including fat, protein, lactose, urea, ketosis, and somatic cell count, supporting ration decisions, udder health, transition, and dry period management.
• Vruchtbaarheid op Maat Customized fertility service providing comprehensive support including artificial insemination, heat and pregnancy detection, with a dedicated fertility specialist and coordinator helping farmers set and achieve concrete herd fertility goals.
• Ki-dienstverlening Professional artificial insemination service with trained CRV specialists available 365 days a year, offering expert on-farm fertility services for dairy farmers.
• Drachtcontrole Pregnancy testing service providing certainty about the success of inseminations, enabling quick response to fertility problems on dairy farms.
• Embryotransplantatie (MOET) Embryo transfer service (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer) for rapid genetic improvement of the herd, provided by experienced CRV specialists.
• OPU/IVP Ovum Pick-Up/In-Vitro Production technique to harvest embryos from all top donor animals, providing continuous access to the genetic heritage of the herd.
• DigiKlauw Digital hoof health management tool for dairy farmers; healthy hooves lead to better performance and longer lifespan with less labor-intensive care.
• SiryX sexed semen Sexed semen product offering approximately 90% chance of female calves from insemination of the most valuable animals, for herd expansion, replacement, and improvement.
• CRV Elite embryo program Elite embryo program allowing farmers to significantly improve herd genetics using high-merit embryos from CRV's breeding program, with free intensive CRV guidance and support.
• InSire genomic selection program Genomic selection program offering young marker-selected bull talent; CRV places 8,000+ embryos annually on CRV Elite and Eurodonor farms, producing more than 3,500 young bull calves for genomic testing each year and selecting about 60 InSire bulls.
• CRV CREATE exclusive early-access program Exclusive early-access breeding program providing sperm from elite bulls before they are publicly available, enabling farmers to accelerate genetic gain of their herd under a signed agreement.
• Xsires Crossbreeding program Crossbreeding concept helping farmers choose the right crossbreeding strategy by combining different breeds (Holstein, Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss, Norwegian Red) to maximize heterosis effect and achieve strong, durable, healthy cows.
• CRV FeedExcel breeding strategy Feed efficiency breeding strategy for highly productive herds that produce more milk with the same amount of feed, based on feed intake data from more than 10,000 lactating cows; can save 5-10% on feed costs.
• Hoornloos (Polled) breeding program Polled (hornless) breeding program offering hornless bulls as a sustainable alternative to dehorning; hornlessness is a trait that naturally occurs in the Holstein population.
• CRV Dier Daily herd management app showing which animals need attention today or tomorrow, managing heat detection, calving alerts, animal movements, pregnancy checks, drying off, and health treatments.
• CRV Bedrijf Business performance dashboard providing overview of herd performance including milk production, fertility, and health data of animals in a clear dashboard format.
• CRV Fokkerij Breeding application providing insights into genetic progress, helping identify best cows for breeding, tracking breeding goals, and integrating results from the StierAdviesProgramma and genomic testing.
• CRV Mineraal Manure and mineral flow management tool allowing users to create fertilization plans with one click, helping meet regulatory requirements for dairy farms.
• CRV FosfaatPlanner Online tool providing continuous insight into the consequences of phosphate rights regulations on dairy farms.
• CRV Holstein genetics Holstein cattle breeding program offering high milk production and excellent exterior traits with superior udders, healthy and efficient bulls with high protein and fat transmission.
• CRV Fleckvieh genetics Fleckvieh dual-purpose breed program. After Holstein, Fleckvieh is the second-largest breed in the world, known for robust, fertile, and self-reliant cows with good productions from healthy udders.
• CRV Brown Swiss genetics Brown Swiss breeding program known for excellent leg and hoof conformation, longevity, and high milk components. Ideal for improving durability of herds.
• CRV MRIJ genetics Maas-Rijn-IJssel (MRIJ) dual-purpose breed program, the original Dutch red-and-white cattle breed known for high protein percentage, robust build, good fertility, and higher revenue.
• CRV Jersey genetics Jersey breeding program featuring efficient feed conversion to milk, very strong legs, and excellent grazing cattle suitable for crossbreeding.
• CRV Gebruikskruising (beef crossbreeding) Beef crossbreeding program offering Belgian Blue and Aberdeen Angus bulls for crossbreeding with dairy cattle to produce well-muscled calves with easy calving and improved slaughter value.
• aAa breeding system Balanced breeding system combining capacity and capacity in balanced cows, with CRV offering a wide selection of quality bulls with desired aAa codes.
• Fokkerijadvies achter de koe On-farm breeding advice service providing mating recommendations per cow in the barn to help farmers reach their breeding goals faster.
• CRV Gezondheid and CRV Efficiëntie breeding indexes Proprietary health (Gezondheid) and efficiency (Efficiëntie) breeding indexes that improve fertility, udder health, hoof health, feed efficiency, longevity, and production based on data from millions of cows and over 10,000 lactating cows respectively.

Quantifiable outcome

• FeedExcel can save 5-10% on feed costs by breeding for feed-efficient cows that produce more milk with the same amount of feed
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Belgian Blue Group (BBG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024CRV works with BBG, its partner in Belgian White Blue breeding. BBG analyzes all semen for quality assurance. CRV guarantees good sperm quality and high fertilizing capacity through this partnership.
• Coöperatie CRVcoreOthers · 1 January 2017CRV is owned by nearly 23,000 dairy farmers in Netherlands and Flanders through Coöperatie Koninklijke CRV, formed from the merger of CR Delta and the Vlaamse Rundveeteelt Vereniging. Members have voting rights and influence on company strategy.
• Alta, Genex, Jetstream, EvolutionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRV collaborates in the US with these partners in the PEAK program for US Holstein genetics. This unique cooperation shares high costs, makes the program more efficient, and increases the variety and volume of bulls offered.
• New Generation (USA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRV works closely with New Generation, one of the largest Brown Swiss parties in the world, based in America. New Generation operates a large and progressive breeding program using the best animals from both America and Europe.
• BGS (Frankrijk)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince August 2020, Brown Swiss bulls from French AI association BGS are available in CRV's offering, expanding the genetic options for French market.
• Select Star (Zwitserland)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeginning 2024, CRV added Brown Swiss bulls from renowned Swiss AI association Select Star, enabling CRV to offer the top of the breed worldwide.
• Wageningen University & Research (WUR)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate Smart Cattle Breeding project (2019-2024) with WUR and FrieslandCampina, co-funded by Ministry of LNV. Research proved methane emissions are heritable and can be bred for reduction.
• FrieslandCampinamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Climate Smart Cattle Breeding project to develop methane breeding values. Dairy cooperative supporting its farmer-members in sustainability goals.
• Ki-station Meggle (Beieren, Duitsland)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRV acquired the Meggle AI station in Bavaria, gaining 40 years of Fleckvieh breeding experience. Combined with programs in South Germany and Czech Republic.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV)minorOthersCo-funder of the Climate Smart Cattle Breeding research project with WUR and FrieslandCampina.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Select Sires: US farmer-owned cooperative providing bovine AI and genetics worldwide. Closest US analog to CRV's cooperative model, with comparable multi-breed programs and significant international export presence.
• Alta Genetics (URUS Group): Global cattle genetics company offering AI, sexed semen, and reproductive services. Directly competes with CRV in the same product categories and customer base under the URUS Group, but operates as a private-equity-backed entity rather than a cooperative.
• Cogent Breeding: UK-based cattle genetics company providing semen, sexed semen, and breeding services to dairy and beef farmers. Direct competitor to CRV in the UK and broader European market with overlapping product lines.
• ST Genetics: US-based cattle genetics company and a leading sexed semen producer. Directly competes with CRV's SiryX sexed semen offering and serves a global dairy/beef customer base with similar technology-driven positioning.
• ABS Global (Genus plc): Global cattle genetics business and a major competitor to CRV across AI, sexed semen, and genomic selection. Operates as a subsidiary of Genus plc, the only listed pure-play animal genetics major — useful benchmark for valuation and capital allocation.
• VikingGenetics: Cooperative cattle genetics company owned by Danish, Swedish, and Finnish farmers. Most direct comparable to CRV — same cooperative model, AI/embryo/breeding programs, multiple breeds, Nordic rather than Benelux footprint.
• Semex: Canadian farmer-owned cattle genetics cooperative offering AI, genomic selection, and dairy/beef breeding programs. Closely mirrors CRV's cooperative structure, multi-breed portfolio, and international distribution model.

Broad incumbents

• Genus plc: Listed UK-based animal genetics company and parent of ABS Global and PIC (swine). Operates across multiple species with broader portfolio and larger R&D budget than CRV — useful listed comparable and likely acquirer profile.

Others

• FrieslandCampina: Large Dutch dairy cooperative and partner of CRV in the Climate Smart Cattle Breeding methane project. Thematically related as a downstream dairy buyer and CRV's member-aligned partner for sustainability-driven breeding programs.

Regional players

• Masterrind: German cattle AI cooperative offering Holstein, Fleckvieh, and Red Angus genetics. Regional comparable focused on German-speaking markets where CRV also operates (and where CRV acquired Ki-station Meggle in Bavaria).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat8 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/crv4all
• Facebookfacebook.com/bettercowsbetterlife
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/crv

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CRV