As cattle producers explore avenues for boosting productivity, the spotlight often shines on genetics. For crossbred beef-on-dairy calves, maximizing genetic potential goes beyond selecting the right genes – it is also about creating the right environment to allow those genes to fully express.
Understanding gene expression in cattle
Gene expression in calves – whether they are dairy heifers, steers or crossbreds – is not a guarantee simply because the genetic foundation exists. Genes have the capacity to switch on or off depending on environmental conditions, which means that even superior genetics might not be expressed without the right support. For crossbred calves raised for beef production, maximizing growth and marbling potential requires strategic feeding and management from a young age.
Nutrition is one of the primary environmental factors impacting gene expression. When crossbred calves are underfed, their bodies prioritize survival over growth and may not allow the expression of genes responsible for appropriate muscle and fat development. This response highlights a biological principle: Animals cannot fully express traits like muscularity or milk production if basic nutritional needs aren’t met.
Epigenetics: Environmental influence beyond genetics
Epigenetics refers to the collection of factors that influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. This means that even though a calf may be genetically predisposed to high growth and marbling, those traits may not manifest if the animal’s environment doesn’t support such development. Critical to this are management practices that reduce stress and provide consistent, high-quality nutrition.
For crossbred calves, a high plane of nutrition during the early stages of life is essential. During the early life stage, muscle satellite cells (critical for muscle growth after birth) are still multiplying, and poor nutrition can alter the development process, potentially limiting muscle growth later on. Additionally, the genes responsible for fat deposition (i.e., lipogenesis) are influenced by both the quality and timing of nutrition. Feeding calves with adequate, high-quality nutrition may help activate these genes, encouraging muscle growth and adipogenesis early, and supporting further muscle growth and marbling later in life.
Practical approaches to enhance gene expression
To maximize the genetic potential of crossbred calves, here are four impactful management practices:
- Strategic feeding from day one: Calves have a limited window during which their genes may be impacted long term. Trying to correct growth deficits later, such as at the feedlot stage, is typically less effective because the composition of growth is different and the window for developmental programming has closed. For beef-on-dairy calves, feeding a high plane of nutrition from day one helps support fully expressed genetic potential.
- Elevated nutritional programs: For crossbred calves, high planes of nutrition – such as feeding a minimum of 1.8 pounds daily of a high-protein milk replacer – helps support continuous growth and gene expression. This may include increasing protein and energy levels to support healthy growth, even in colder months when calves burn more energy to stay warm. This allows calves to meet their genetic potential without compromise from environmental stressors.
- Cold-weather management: Exposure to cold stress in early life can hinder the expression of genes that promote growth, as maintaining body temperature is critical to survival. Bedding practices, calf jackets, adequate shelter and extra milk nutrition can help calves maintain warmth without expending as much of the energy needed for growth. Calves should have deep bedding to protect extremities and maintain a stable body temperature, supporting consistent development.
- Disease prevention and management: Health challenges such as respiratory issues and scours can impact growth by diverting a calf’s energy to immune response rather than development. By maintaining strict sanitation protocols, implementing timely vaccinations and reducing stress, producers can create an environment that allows calves to devote their resources to growth. Proactive health management can help reduce health challenges that may affect development, allowing the animal to express its genetic potential.
Feeding crossbred calves for success
Traditionally, dairy practices have leaned toward minimizing early life feeding expenses, especially for calves sent to calf ranches where cost-efficiency is often prioritized. While these practices may be economically sound in the short term, they can ultimately limit the full expression of genetic traits in beef-on-dairy crossbreds. Research suggests that early life nutrition program investments can lead to improved long-term outcomes, including better growth rates and premium market grades, which can translate into stronger economic returns.
For instance, a well-nourished crossbred calf is more likely to meet or exceed industry benchmarks for marbling, muscle tone and overall health, making it more marketable and valuable. This shift in perspective encourages producers to consider early life feeding programs as an investment. While initial feeding costs may be higher, the long-term benefits, including higher-quality beef production, can justify these expenses.
For producers, the takeaway is clear: The expression of genetic potential of crossbred calves can be affected by nutritional and environmental choices. Strategic management and nutrition can help turn high-quality genes into high-quality beef, suggesting that with the right management, today’s crossbred calves can continue to supplement tomorrow’s high-quality beef supply.