In an area feeding approximately 400,000 head of dairy-based cattle in feedlots for beef production, we have seen a steady change in the breed of these fed cattle. The Imperial Valley in California has historically been feeding out the bull-calf byproducts from the dairy industry, perfecting diets and management methods to improve performance and carcass quality. In many feedlots, you will still see many pens of purebred Holsteins, but recently, we have started to see just as many pens of beef-on-dairy crossbred cattle. 

Why are we seeing this change? Beef-on-dairy isn’t a new concept, so why does it seem to be making a lasting resurgence? This change may be due to the rise in cost and lack of availability of purebred Holstein steers for sale, the increase in availability of beef-on-dairy crossbred cattle, or the perceived improved performance and carcass characteristics of the dairy crosses. A recent survey of California dairies reported that 81% of respondents used beef semen in their dairy herd, with many dairies initiating the use of beef semen in 2017 or later.

However, concerns surrounding the feeding and management of these crossbred dairy cattle have made some producers wary of transitioning completely from feeding purebred Holstein steers to beef-on-dairy cattle. Some of the main questions often heard about beef-on-dairy crosses are:

• How should we feed them? Like a Holstein? Background them as we would for beef breeds? Holstein steers are typically fed a grain-based diet (approximately 90% on a dry matter basis) for the entire feeding period (11-13 months).
• We know Holstein steers have a greater energy requirement (approximately 12%) compared to beef breeds. Is this still true for beef-on-dairy steers? Where does their energy requirement fall?
• What beef breed semen produces the most productive offspring in the feedlot?
• How do the beef-on-dairy crossbred steers handle the extreme heat of the summer in the desert Southwest?

For the past few years, we have developed and run several research studies in the low desert of California to answer some of these questions with data. Below is a brief overview of what we have observed.

Purebred Holstein steers vs. Angus-Holstein steers

Our first study aimed to identify the differences and similarities between purebred Holstein and Angus-Holstein crossbred steers fed a high-energy diet in the feedlot. Management for both groups was exactly the same. All steers were brought into the feedlot at 285 pounds and were fed for 328 days. The same steam-flaked corn-based diet was fed to all steers throughout the entire feeding period, with no receiving or growing diet.

Over the entire feeding period, crossbred Holstein steers had a 3% less dry matter intake and 5% improved feed efficiency compared to purebred Holstein steers, indicating that crossbred animals were more efficient in utilizing the energy in the diet than purebred Holstein steers. We also observed significant differences in carcass characteristics between the two breeds. Overall, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, fat cover, ribeye area and marbling score were all greater for crossbred Angus-Holstein steers compared to purebred Holstein steers, and although all Holstein steers graded USDA Choice or greater, crossbred steers put more fat in the carcass.

Beef breed comparisons

In another study, we aimed to compare two of the most common beef breeds used in dairies – Angus and Charolais. Angus-Holstein and Charolais-Holstein steers were brought to the feedlot at approximately 422 pounds, and all animals were fed the same steam-flaked corn-based diet for 301 days.

Over the entire feeding period, Angus-Holstein steers had a 3% increase in final live weight and 5% greater dry matter intake compared to Charolais-Holstein steers; however, there were no other production differences between the breeds, and all animals had similar feed-to-gain ratio. When it came to carcass characteristics, Angus-Holsteins had increased fat cover and marbling scores compared to Charolais-Holstein steers. However, Charolais-Holsteins had a larger ribeye area. Again, Angus's crosses finished heavier and put more fat in the carcass.

Heat tolerance of crossbred Holsteins

The Imperial Valley of California can reach summer temperatures of over 120°F for multiple days. Moreover, the ability of the animals to mitigate the extreme heat load can have a significant impact on production; therefore, evaluating the impact of extreme heat on cattle performance is always a major consideration for our research.

In our studies, Angus-Holstein steers (darker hair coat) had greater internal body temperature during the early summer months compared to purebred Holstein steers; however, there was no difference during the mid- and late-summer periods. Performance metrics indicate that although there might have been a difference in heat tolerance in the early summer period, it did not impact overall performance.

When comparing heat tolerance between Angus-Holstein and Charolais-Holstein steers, again, the black-hided Angus-Holstein steers had greater internal body temperatures throughout the summer than Charolais-Holstein steers. Similarly to the first trial, while there was a difference in body temperature and heat tolerance, Angus-Holstein steers still had improved overall performance, indicating that the increase in core body temperature did not affect overall performance when cattle were fed for a long period of time.

Final thoughts

Overall, Angus-Holstein crossbred steers consumed less feed and had improved carcass characteristics compared to purebred Holstein steers and improved performance and carcass characteristics compared to Charolais-Holstein crossbred steers. While the extreme heat of the summer seemed to affect the Angus-Holstein steers the most, it did not affect the overall performance of the Angus-Holstein crossbred steers. Continuing to build the database of crossbred beef-on-dairy cattle in the feedlot is critical, as sire may play a significant role in productivity and efficiency, as seen in other studies. Understanding the other parameters that may affect performance (sire, breed, etc.) is critical when making breeding decisions.