June 29, 2023

Growing number of dairy-beef crosses garnering attention in US livestock industry

The US market is witnessing a notable increase in the population of dairy-beef cattle, a trend that has caught the keen eye of researchers at Oklahoma State University Extension, RFD-TV reported.

According to their observations, purebred dairy steers, comprising 100% dairy genetics, are currently not fetching significant value in the market.

They said that dairy farms have traditionally regarded 100% dairy steers as a byproduct or even a waste due to their limited value. But advancements in reproductive technologies have led to a shift in approach, with dairy farms now utilising sexed semen to produce heifer calves exclusively from their best cows for herd replacements.

This strategy allows them the flexibility to use beef-type bulls on their average-quality cows to ensure pregnancy and restart lactation.

Livestock producers have taken notice of the emergence of beef-dairy crosses. Dr Bob Beck, leading the research efforts at Oklahoma State University Extension, said these crosses are superior over purebred dairy animals in terms of beef production performance, efficiency, and the retention of high-quality meat characteristics commonly associated with dairy calves.

He said that the industry is highly invested in exploring effective management practices for these hybrid cattle and determining the optimal utilisation methods within beef production systems.

-      RFD-TV