Key facts
- Rapid-gain feeding programs for beef-on-dairy calves resulted in faster growth and higher marbling scores.
- Beef-Holstein cross calves reached market weight sooner and had heavier carcasses than Holstein steers.
- The rapid-gain program increased backfat thickness and reduced estimated retail meat yield.
- Dairy-origin calves are transitioned to high-energy diets sooner than traditional beef calves.
- Research compared moderate-gain (2.6 lb/day) and rapid-gain (4.2 lb/day) grower programs.
The number of beef-on-dairy calves in Canadian feedlots is increasing as dairy producers seek to add value to surplus calves. A recent study evaluated the impact of rapid-gain (target 4.2 lb/day) versus moderate-gain (target 2.6 lb/day) growing programs on Holstein steers, beef-Holstein cross steers, and beef-Holstein cross heifers. Calves started at approximately 449 lb. and were fed until they reached about 813 lb. before transitioning to a common finishing diet. The rapid-gain program resulted in calves reaching transition weight in 90 days compared to 105 days for the moderate-gain program. Overall, cattle on the rapid-gain program grew 3.4% faster to market weight. Beef-Holstein crosses outperformed straightbred Holstein steers, reaching market weight 5-7 weeks sooner with heavier hot carcass weights and higher dressing percentages. The rapid-gain program also led to higher marbling scores but increased backfat thickness and reduced estimated retail meat yield. These outcomes have practical implications for carcass yield class under grading systems.