93 Feedlot Performance, Carcass Traits, and Feeder Calf Value of Beef × Holstein and Holstein Steers

Abstract

Abstract Dairy producers are increasingly breeding their lower production cows to beef sires in hopes of increasing revenue over straightbred Holstein steers (HO). However, there are limited published data regarding feedlot finishing beef × Holstein crossbred steers (B×HO). Therefore, objectives of this study were to compare feedlot performance, carcass traits, and value of B×HO and HO. Steers were delivered to the Michigan State University Beef Center, Lansing, and after a 21-d adjustment, breed types (B×HO; n = 60 and HO; n = 60) were randomly allocated into 10 pens each. Initial weights (d 0) were 196.7 and 196.9 kg for B×HO and HO, respectively (P = 0.95). Steers remained on a growing diet until d 14 and then transitioned by d 28 to a finisher diet consisting of high moisture corn, corn silage, dried corn distillers grains with solubles, pelleted supplement with monensin, and limestone. The B×HO tended (P = 0.07) to have greater ADG (1.75 ± 0.02 vs. 1.70 ± 0.02 kg/d) compared with HO, but similar DMI (10.40 vs. 10.35 kg/d; P = 0.79). The B×HO had a greater G:F compared with HO (0.188 vs. 0.178; P = 0.02). There were no observed differences in morbidity (8.3 vs. 8.3%; P = 1.0) or mortality (1.7 vs. 1.7%; P = 1.0) for B×HO and HO, respectively. Cost of gain was similar for B×HO ($2.69/kg) when compared with HO ($2.76/kg; P = 0.14). Steers were harvested at a commercial abattoir on d 245 and 266 for B×HO and HO, respectively, after reaching an average empty body fat of 28.0% as determined by ultrasound. Following a 48-h chill, carcass data were collected. Although final live weight tended (P = 0.08) to be less for B×HO compared with HO (621.3 ± 11.5 vs. 634.8 ± 11.5 kg), carcass weights were similar between breed types (365.4 vs. 366.6 kg; P = 0.78). The B×HO had greater longissimus muscle area (87.8 vs. 73.1 cm2; P < 0.01), greater backfat thickness (1.18 vs. 0.79 cm; P < 0.01), and lesser USDA Yield Grade (2.9 vs. 3.2; P = 0.02) than HO. The B×HO and HO had similar marbling scores (Small26 vs. Small37; P = 0.63) and USDA Quality Grades (Low-Choice and greater, 52.7 vs. 59.3%; Mid-Choice and greater, 18.2 vs. 20.3%; and Low-Prime and greater, 3.6 vs. 1.7%; P > 0.40). Based on abattoir plant prices in August 2022, carcass revenue was greater for B×HO ($1,911/carcass) when compared with HO ($1,765/carcass; P < 0.01). Calculated breakeven feeder calf value was $212 greater for B×HO compared with HO ($700 vs. $488/steer; P < 0.01). Overall, B×HO were more feed efficient and produced carcasses with greater yield, resulting in greater feeder calf value when compared with HO counterparts.