By Blake Jackson
Penn State researchers have completed the fourth and final year of a multi-year feedlot study examining the performance of beef-sired steers born to Holstein dairy cows.
According to Tara L. Felix, Beef Cattle Specialist at Penn State Extension, and Bailey Basiel, Ph.D. student at Penn State Extension, the project was designed to help dairy producers identify beef genetics that deliver the best feedlot and carcass outcomes.
The research, supported by USDA CARE funding along with JBS and Premier Select Sires, evaluated steers sired by Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Red Angus, and Simmental bulls.
Calves were born on Pennsylvania dairy farms in 2022, raised at commercial calf-growing facilities, and later finished at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Livestock Evaluation Center.
Results showed significant differences among sire breeds. Simmental-sired steers entered the feedlot at the heaviest weights, while Angus- and Simmental-sired cattle achieved the greatest final body weights. Angus, Charolais, and Simmental crosses also required fewer days on feed compared to other groups.
In contrast, Limousin × Holstein steers recorded the slowest growth rates, lightest finishing weights, and the longest feeding periods. Researchers found no major differences among breeds in feed intake or feed efficiency.
Carcass results favored Angus-sired steers, which produced the heaviest hot carcass weights, the largest ribeye areas, and the highest dressing percentages. Overall carcass quality was strong, with more than 88% of all steers grading Choice regardless of sire breed.
Researchers noted that good animal health during the feeding period likely contributed to the high carcass quality observed throughout the study.
The findings provide valuable information for dairy producers seeking beef sire genetics that can improve feedlot performance and carcass value in beef-on-dairy production systems.
FAQs
- Which breed produced the heaviest feedlot entry weights?
Simmental-sired steers had the heaviest starting weights.
- Which breed achieved the best carcass performance?
Angus-sired steers produced the heaviest carcasses and largest ribeye areas.
- Which cross showed the slowest growth?
Limousin × Holstein steers had the lowest gains and longest feeding period.
- Were there differences in feed efficiency among breeds?
No significant differences were observed in feed intake or feed-to-gain ratios.
- How many steers graded Choice?
More than 88% of the cattle graded Choice across all sire breeds.
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle