An estimated 12-15% or more of the annual fed beef harvest in the U.S. is now made up of beef-on-dairy calves. To highlight this ever-evolving segment of the U.S. cattle industry, Purina Animal Nutrition, in collaboration with industry partners, has published the Second Edition of its “Beef-on-Dairy Industry Report.”
In terms of sheer numbers, the beef-cross calf market share may be nearing maturity, according to Patrick Linnell, Director of Market Research for CattleFax. In the report, Linnell said many dairies, motivated by high calf values, have actually over-bred for beef-cross calves, “prioritizing beef genetics at the expense of maintaining a healthy pipeline of replacements.”
Linnell said a shift in breeding priorities to shore up replacement heifer supplies resulted in an approximate drop of 5% in beef-on-dairy matings in 2024, signaling a stemming of the supply of beef-cross calves going forward.
As the market for beef-cross calves matures, so too does the opportunity for differentiation and market reputation. Raising the best-quality calves requires nutrition that caters to the unique growth and developmental needs of beef-cross calves. Dr. Tom Earleywine, Director of Young Animal Nutrition for Land O’Lakes, noted that beef-cross calves typically grow faster and more efficiently than Holsteins.
“They need protein to support that muscle development,” noted Earleywine. He cited Purina Animal Nutrition trials in which high-protein milk replacers (27% versus 25% or less) and calf starters led to significantly better growth in beef-cross calves. “These crossbreds are genetically predisposed to build more muscle, so protein is critical,” he declared.
Compelling new research also is indicating that the first 8 months of a calf’s life lays the developmental groundwork for meat quality at harvest. The fat and muscle cells that develop in that early life window can eventually determine marbling and muscle quality.
“Getting nutrition right in those first few months is key to producing a high-quality beef product,” Earleywine stated. “It’s something to which buyers and processors increasingly are paying attention.” He said an excellent nutrition program can realistically support beef-cross calves hitting 300 pounds by about 87 days of age.
That kind of growth and optimal development also depends on health. Feedlot veterinarian Dr. Daniel Thomsen noted in the report that beef-on-dairy calves are more vulnerable to respiratory challenges, noting mycoplasma infections specifically.
Thomsen said he has observed better communication regarding calf health between industry segments as of late. “Calf raisers and dairies are investing in better calf management practices because they know the end value is worth it,” he stated. “And feeders are adapting to manage the requirements of beef-on-dairy cattle more effectively.”
Those efforts are carrying through to harvest value. Dr. Ty Lawrence, Professor of Animal Science at West Texas A&M University, noted “animals free of disease, those without lung health issues, liver abscesses or bruising are sought after by packers.”
The primary challenges that remain? For one, liver abscesses, which remain a stubborn hindrance to carcass quality and value in beef-cross calves. The other: size. Lawrence noted some beef-on-dairy crosses are now approaching 1,900 pounds at slaughter, similar to their native Holstein cousins.
“While packers are adjusting infrastructure to accommodate bigger animals, oversized carcasses slow line speeds and increase labor,” Lawrence noted.
A complete copy of the report can be downloaded here.
