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MSU research explores dairy-beef efficiencies

Research by Michigan State University is finding dairy-beef crosses are more efficient in feedlot scenarios than their Holstein counterparts.

Jerald Jaborek, beef feedlot systems extension educator, tells Brownfield the study examined the economics and carcass differences between straight-bred Holstein steers and beef-sired Holstein steers.

“We saw that the beef crossed steers required fewer days on feed, we harvested them 21 days sooner, so they had lower feed input costs and non-feed costs,” he says.

Jaborek says the animals were all harvested at similar body fat percentages and carcass values were consistent throughout the breeds.

And he says the crosses add value back to dairy farmers.

“While it’s not milk, it’s another source of income to help keep that operation afloat or make it profitable, and as far as feeders—obviously any working together or communication helps improve that product,” he explains.

Follow-up research will likely investigate liver abscesses and carcass yield differences.

Brownfield interviewed Jaborek during the recent Michigan Beef Expo in East Lansing.

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