Economic Analysis of Yearling-Fed and Calf-Fed Systems of Native Beef and Dairy-Beef Crossbred Steers

Abstract We investigated the profitability of dairy-beef crossbred steers compared to their native beef counterparts. Using trial data, returns on calf-fed and yearling-fed systems of native beef and beef × dairy steers were evaluated. Beef × dairy steers in calf-fed and yearling-fed systems had greater returns than native beef calf-fed steers even with few carcass quality differences and higher total costs. Native beef yearling-fed steers had the greatest return because of low total costs while revenue remained similar among breed and treatment combinations. Results indicate that beef × dairy steers can be competitive with native beef calf-fed steers, but current economics favor native beef yearling-fed cattle.