In 2017, significant changes in the dairy steer industry led to packers ceasing the purchase of fed dairy steers, pushing producers to adopt new genetics and breeding strategies. Traditionally, dairy cattle accounted for about 20% of the beef supply.
This shift prompted a survey by the Iowa Beef Center, which sought to understand the management practices, challenges and outcomes associated with beef-on-dairy (beef x dairy) crossbred calves.
The survey focused on two primary objectives:
• Understanding the management practices employed by dairy producers and calf ranches raising beef x dairy crossbred calves.
• Identifying challenges related to finishing beef x dairy calves from commercial feedlot operators.
Calf raisers
The survey involved over 30 contacts with calf raisers in or near Iowa and received responses from 11 producers representing more than 21,000 calves annually. Five of the participants were current dairy producers. Only two out of the 11 respondents exclusively fed beef x dairy steers, while the remaining nine fed both beef x dairy steers and heifers.
The survey covered various aspects, including calf health, pre-weaning and post-weaning death loss and starter feed diets.
Calf health is a significant concern with beef x dairy calves, prompting questions on how they are sourced. The majority of the respondents purchase calves directly from dairies, five respondents raise calves from their own dairy and the remaining two buy from auctions or a broker.
Almost all calf raisers either test for adequate colostrum intake upon arrival or confirm with the dairy before shipping. Five respondents provided colostrum on day one, four communicated with dairies and five tested for passive immunity.
Key health concerns included respiratory/pneumonia issues and scours. On average, calf raisers reported a pre-weaning death loss of 4.4% and a post-weaning death loss of 2.85%. Additionally, 22% of calves required health treatments before weaning.
When asked about their reasons for raising beef x dairy calves, respondents noted increased income to the dairy; lower purchase cost compared to beef cattle; better health, growth, and market value compared to straight dairy calves; and demand, traceability and sustainability.
Respondents stated more research is needed in areas such as reducing liver abscesses, sire genetics and selection, improving carcass cutout and the prevention and treatment of mycoplasma.
Beef x dairy finishers
The Iowa Beef Center surveyed 21 producers who finished beef x dairy calves to compare the calves’ performance, protocols and marketing with traditional beef and dairy calves. Among the respondents, 13 finished beef cattle and 10 finished dairy cattle.
Producers were asked about the timing and causes of morbidity and mortality. For beef calves, the majority of morbidity occurred within the first 90 days, especially in the first 30 days. Dairy feeders noted that most morbidity and mortality happened within the first 30 days or following a stress event, though one reported mortality throughout the feeding period.
The survey also explored implant strategies, liver abscess incidence and cattle marketing practices. Given the variation in current practices, the Iowa Beef Center highlighted the need for more research to identify cost-effective implant strategies for beef x dairy cattle. Ideally, beef x dairy cattle should have a distinct implant protocol compared to beef cattle due to differences in days on feed, marbling genetic merit and muscle characteristics. However, seven respondents used the same implant protocol for all cattle types, while only two had specific strategies for beef x dairy cattle. Several producers indicated they defer the first implant until later in the feeding period rather than at arrival.
The survey specifically asked Iowa producers about discounts received for abscessed or condemned livers. None of the respondents reported liver abscess discounts, although one mentioned “no discounts as long as fewer than 40% have abscesses.” The survey did not inquire about any mitigating practices.
Of the 20 producers who fed beef x dairy cattle, 12 sold to major packers who purchase beef and dairy cattle, making it difficult to determine whether the cattle fit high-quality beef grids. Five producers still market some or most of their fed cattle through local sale barns, often using this as a cleanup option for cattle with white markings. However, 15 reported selling crossbreds to packers who typically do not purchase dairy cattle and focus on sourcing high-quality, mostly black-hided cattle. Most respondents said they received the same price for beef x dairy steers, while three reported receiving a $2-6/cwt discount.
Feeders finishing beef x dairy cattle shared several concerns and questions. Key issues include the need to educate packers, consumers and dairy farms on the quality and availability of beef x dairy cattle, especially during cattle cycles with higher numbers on feed.
They emphasized the importance of using correct bull semen, managing health problems in the first 50 days, optimizing forage/fiber for performance and rumen health, developing effective implant strategies, and employing risk management tools like forward contracting and Livestock Risk Protection. Additional concerns include genetic selection, health issues like calf scours and liver abscesses, chronic fallouts, cattle adjusting to different diets and behavioral problems influenced by dairy genetics.
The Iowa Beef Center noted that while progress has been made in the beef x dairy segment, there remains significant room for improvement. Sharing knowledge and continuing research are essential for enhancing the quality and performance of beef x dairy cattle and ensuring their success in the market. — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing editor
