Beef on dairy cattle – industry benefits and opportunities

Abstract

Growth of the beef on dairy crossbred cattle population has continually increased over the past few years in the U.S. beef industry. In general, this has been a positive shift replacing the traditional purebred dairy-fed steer model. The benefits of this crossbreeding should be balanced against issues that exist in this population. Understanding the positive and negative attri­butes of these cattle will help lead to long term success of those wishing to participate in this production strategy.