Using beef genetics on dairy farms has become a popular practice, driven by economic benefits and market demands. By crossbreeding dairy cows with beef bulls, farmers can produce calves that command a higher market price than purebred dairy calves. For example, data from 2022 show that beef-dairy crossbred calves, such as those with Angus genetics, often sell for $125 to $254 per head, whereas purebred Holstein calves might sell for as low as $15 to $150. Research I led in 2022 showed that using beef semen in Jersey herds can increase net returns by $67 to $69 per calf. Additionally, raising these crossbred calves to 180 days boosts the return to $219 per calf sold. Prices for day-old beef-dairy calves have more than doubled since 2022 further increasing the economic gains for farmers.
This approach not only increases the income from calf sales but also allows farmers to control the number of replacement heifers more efficiently. With technologies like sexed semen, farmers can focus on generating enough heifers for herd replacement while breeding the remaining dairy cows with beef semen. This selective breeding reduces the cost of raising excess heifers, optimizes resources, and generates higher-value crossbred calves.
Moreover, beef-dairy crossbreeds tend to have improved growth rates, carcass quality, and feed efficiency. Studies have shown that crossbred calves, like Jersey crosses with Angus or Simmental, exhibit better daily weight gain and carcass characteristics than purebred dairy calves. For instance, Jersey-Angus cross calves tend to have higher hot carcass weights and better marbling scores, making them more desirable in the beef market.
Adopting this strategy also aligns with the environmental goals of the livestock sector. Crossbred animals can reduce the overall carbon footprint of beef production by utilizing the same resources as dairy herds, thus contributing to a more sustainable beef supply. For example, beef from dairy-origin cattle has been shown to generate up to 29% less greenhouse gas emissions per pound of meat compared to traditional beef production systems.
In summary, integrating beef genetics into dairy herds offers dairy farmers a profitable way to manage surplus animals, enhance the market value of their calves, and contribute to sustainable beef production. This approach not only supports farmers economically but also aligns with environmental and industry goals.
— Marcos Marcondes