Dairy-beef crossbreds are gaining in popularity, yet some producers are unsure how that might work in their herds. Garland Dahlke, research scientist with the Iowa Beef Center, will present research he conducted the past 18 months examining the nutrition, health, and performance of dairy crossbred calves. His presentation is one of five at Feedlot Forum 2025 on January 14 in Sioux Center.
Beth Doran, Iowa State University extension beef specialist for northwest Iowa, said Dahlke was a member of an IBC team studying dairy crossbred calves from the wet calf stage through the finishing phase. The team monitored feed intake, body weight, sickness, and carcass quality. The project was funded by state Check-Off funds from the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
“To reduce the upfront cost for feeder cattle, feedlot producers are purchasing dairy or dairy crossbred cattle," Doran said. "However, dairy crossbreds are not without challenges. These calves are more fragile and may require management differing from that used with calves of beef breeds.”
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