Abstract Beef x dairy crossbred calves represent a growing proportion of the United States’ non-replacement dairy calf population, but little scientific information is available regarding their specific needs relative to straightbred calves. As a result, there is an important opportunity to refine management practices to better align with the unique characteristics of beef x dairy crossbred calves and support their overall welfare. This need is particularly important as the broader dairy-beef calf sector continues to refine optimal care standards, and calves in these systems often face several challenges in early life that may compromise their health and limit behavioral expression. Our lab’s research has not found evidence to suggest beef x dairy crossbred calves are in better health to face these challenges. Early research of ours has identified minimal behavioral differences between Holstein and Angus x Holstein bull calves during the pre-weaning and weaning phases; however, future evaluation of the behavioral responses of crossbred calves in other rearing environments is needed. Although breed-specific responses to early weaning were not observed in our study, physiological breed differences and the controlled conditions under which this research was conducted emphasize the importance of further research. Continued investigation will help clarify management strategies tailored to beef x dairy crossbred calves and support their welfare within dairy-beef systems.
Maddie Pinkerton (Wed,) studied this question.