Episode Description
In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad continues the deep dive into beef-on-dairy research, focusing on data collected in Minnesota. This is the second installment of a three-part series, where we examine how different beef breeds perform when crossed with dairy cattle.
Key highlights include:
Pre-Weaning Performance: Limousin crossbred calves showed greater growth efficiency than Holstein calves, consuming less milk while gaining more weight.
Breed Comparisons: Angus, Simmental, Charolais, Hereford, and Limousin crosses were evaluated from birth through harvest. Hereford calves had the highest weaning weights, while Charolais and Simmental showed strong growth through finishing.
Carcass Data: Charolais and Hereford yielded the heaviest carcasses, while Limousin crosses had the largest ribeye areas. Angus and Hereford crosses finished the fastest, reaching market weight in fewer days.
Meat Quality & Economics: Most animals graded Choice, with some achieving Prime. Economic analysis showed that Charolais and Hereford crosses brought in the highest total revenue due to their larger carcass sizes.
