NASHVILLE, TN – New research shows beef-on-dairy (BxD) calves now make up nearly a quarter of all feedlot placements. According to a University of Tennessee analysis, the number of these crossbred calves has risen from 2.9 million in 2016 to an estimated 5.2 million in 2024.
The U.S. dairy herd has held steady at 9.2 million cows, but the number of dairy-fed cattle in feedlots has dropped. Fewer straightbred dairy cattle entering the beef chain suggests more dairy farms are using beef genetics to breed calves for feedlots. With the beef cow herd in decline, BxD calves are filling the gap.
In 2024, BxD calves are estimated to make up 23% of placements. As demand grows and herd rebuilding remains slow, analysts expect BxD use to remain high or increase. Some experts say reporting systems should start labeling BxD cattle separately from standard beef or dairy to reflect this shift in production.