Episode 282 - Beef on Dairy: Which Breed Performs Best? Growth, Efficiency, and Carcass Insights - UMN Extension's The Moos Room

Abstract

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad continues the deep dive into beef-on-dairy research, focusing on data collected in Minnesota. This is the second installment of a three-part series, where we examine how different beef breeds perform when crossed with dairy cattle. Beef on Dairy Key highlights include: Beef on Dairy Pre-Weaning Performance: Limousin crossbred calves showed greater growth efficiency than Holstein calves, consuming less milk while gaining more weight. Beef on Dairy Breed Comparisons: Angus, Simmental, Charolais, Hereford, and Limousin crosses were evaluated from birth through harvest. Hereford calves had the highest weaning weights, while Charolais and Simmental showed strong growth through finishing. Beef on Dairy Carcass Data: Charolais and Hereford yielded the heaviest carcasses, while Limousin crosses had the largest ribeye areas. Angus and Hereford crosses finished the fastest, reaching market weight in fewer days. Beef on Dairy Meat Quality & Economics: Most animals graded Choice, with some achieving Prime. Economic analysis showed that Charolais and Hereford crosses brought in the highest total revenue due to their larger carcass sizes.Next week, we’ll wrap up the series by exploring the role of genomics in beef-on-dairy systems. Tune in to find out if genomic testing is worth it for terminal animals!