WASHINGTON, DC – Beef-on-dairy cattle may deliver better feedlot performance when placed at lighter weights, creating an opportunity to capture more value from crossbred calves. American Farm Bureau Federation economist Danny Munch highlights Kansas State University research showing placement weight strongly influences growth and feed efficiency.
Beef-on-dairy cattle showed their strongest growth and feed efficiency when placed in feedlots at lighter weights. As placement weights increased, their performance advantage over traditional beef cattle declined.
The research also found lower mortality rates for beef-on-dairy cattle across the 400- to 900-pound placement range, although the advantage narrowed as cattle entered feedlots at heavier weights.
Current beef-on-dairy cattle enter feedlots at an average weight of roughly 650 pounds. Munch says earlier placement could allow feedlots to capture more efficient early growth, but would require closer coordination among dairy farms, calf raisers, backgrounders and feedlots.
Improved performance could strengthen buyer demand and support market values for beef-on-dairy calves as traditional beef supplies remain tight.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Lighter feedlot placements could help capture more growth efficiency and strengthen the value of beef-on-dairy calves.