Dairy producers have, for years, grown and finished dairy and beef-on-dairy steers for their own family’s beef consumption, for sales and supporting farm income, to make better use of bull calves born on the farm, or to simply use up feed waste and refusals. All are perfectly good reasons. However, as proficient as the average dairy producer is in feeding and managing dairy cows, feeding and managing “beef-producing cattle” is often intimidating.
According to CattleFax estimates, U.S. dairies are expected to produce approximately 2.92 million dairy-beef calves in 2025, with projections rising to 3.22 million in 2026. These figures include both dairy (largely Holstein) and dairy-beef steers and heifers, but steers make up the majority of fed cattle entering the beef supply chain from dairy origins. Dairy-beef calves now represent 12% to 15% of the annual fed cattle slaughter, making them a foundational component of beef production. With the beef cattle herd in the U.S. at historic lows, the importance of cattle produced by the dairy industry but going to the beef trade cannot be overstated. These cattle are critical to the overall beef supply.
Why is this important?
As mentioned, with the native beef cow herd shrinking, dairies are filling the gap using targeted crossbreeding programs that pair dairy cows with beef semen to produce higher-value calves. These steers often outperform traditional dairy bull calves in feedlot performance and carcass quality, especially in marbling and yield grades. While many of these cattle are shipped off the dairy for growing and finishing purposes, many dairy producers are electing to make room for these cattle as well, feeding them out themselves and handling all the marketing. Given the resources many dairies have, this is a natural way to improve farm efficiency and potentially increase farm revenues.
Over the last couple of years, there have been a variety of articles, publications, conferences, presentations, etc., with regard to dairy/beef-on-dairy (D/BOD) production. So it's not a lack of information. This article is designed to narrow that focus down to the basics of what should be considered in the development of a D/BOD program on a farm. This should also be viewed with the understanding that, like any farm, there are countless variations, as each operation is different. These are the foundational components.
Nutritional management
Proper nutrition is crucial for the growth and finishing of D/BOD steers. The diet should be balanced to meet the energy, protein and mineral requirements of the animals. High-energy diets are essential for maximizing growth rates and ensuring steers reach market weight efficiently. For the most part, ingredients already existing on the farm can be used to develop growing and finishing rations. Some farms have historically used accumulated feed refusals in the mixing of finishing rations. This can be a good use for what might otherwise be wasted feed. However, refusals need to be tested periodically for nutrient content and carefully checked for excess dirt or mold accumulation from very wet diets. It is best to use feed refusals as quickly as possible after collection. Set refusals up as an ingredient, using the analyzed values as the nutrient basis, and then balance the steer grower or finishing diet with other ingredients.
Energy requirements: Steers require high-energy diets to support rapid growth and reach the desired finish/carcass quality. Use grains such as corn, barley or various high-energy byproducts – such as dried distillers grains (DDGs), hominy, corn germ meal, etc. – in their diet. The energy density of the diet should be adjusted based on the growth stage and weight of the steers. The producer should recognize that finishing diets are much lower in fiber than what they are typically accustomed to seeing.
Protein requirements: Adequate protein intake is necessary for muscle and bone development, particularly in growing cattle. Protein sources such as soybean meal, canola meal, corn gluten feed, DDGs, etc., can be included in the diet. It is also common to use at least some urea in these diets to help reduce cost.
Minerals and vitamins: Essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, along with trace minerals and vitamins A, D and E, should be included in the diet. These nutrients play a vital role in bone development, immune function and overall health.
Feed additives: A wide variety of feed additives are commonly used in these programs to improve performance. These can include ionophores such as monensin or lasalocid, various probiotic products (bacteria, yeasts, enzyme sources) and so on. The right combination of these products can be highly useful in improving both gain performance and efficiency, as well as digestive and systemic health.
Health management
Maintaining the health of steers is vital for their growth and finishing as well as carcass performance. Regular health checks, vaccinations and parasite control are essential components of a health management program. Early detection and treatment of diseases can prevent significant losses and ensure steers remain healthy.
- Vaccinations: Implementing a vaccination program is crucial to protect steers from common diseases such as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine respiratory disease (BRD), clostridial infections, etc. Consult with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule tailored to the specific needs of the herd.
- Parasite control: Internal and external parasites can negatively impact the health and growth of steers. Regular deworming and the use of insecticides can help control parasites. Monitoring the herd for signs of infestation and taking prompt action is essential.
- Health monitoring: Regular health checks should be conducted to identify any signs of illness or injury. Early detection and treatment of health issues can prevent the spread of diseases and minimize losses. Keep detailed records of health treatments and outcomes.
Housing and environment
Providing a suitable housing environment is important for the well-being of steers. Adequate space, ventilation and clean bedding are necessary to keep the animals comfortable and reduce stress. Proper housing also helps in managing waste and maintaining hygiene.
- Space requirements: Ensure that steers have enough space to move around comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to stress and increase the risk of disease transmission. Space requirements will vary based on the size and age of the steers.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to maintain air quality and prevent respiratory issues. Ensure that the housing facility has adequate airflow to remove moisture, ammonia and other harmful gases.
- Bedding and cleanliness: Provide clean and dry bedding to keep steers comfortable. Regularly clean and replace bedding to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of infections. Proper waste management practices should be implemented to prevent the buildup of manure and maintain a clean environment.
Marketing and financial considerations
Understanding the market demand and financial aspects of growing and finishing D/BOD steers is crucial for profitability. Producers should keep track of market trends, production costs and potential returns to make informed decisions.
- Market demand: Stay informed about the current market demand for D/BOD steers. This includes understanding the preferences of buyers, such as weight, quality and breed. Adjust production practices to meet market demands and maximize returns.
- Production costs: Keep detailed records of production costs, including feed, health care, housing and labor. Analyzing these costs can help identify areas for improvement and optimize profitability. Implement cost-effective practices without compromising the health and growth of the steers.
- Financial planning: Develop a financial plan that includes budgeting, forecasting and risk management. Consider factors such as feed prices, market fluctuations and potential risks. Having a well-thought-out financial plan can help producers navigate challenges and achieve long-term success.
