ENHANCING THE VALUE OF BEEF SIRED PROGENY FROM DAIRY CATTLE

We propose to investigate the relationship between sire genetics and the value of the resulting progeny including feed efficiency and carcass characteristics to improve the efficiency of the beef supply chain. A key question is what genetics should be used to maximize value of the calves both for dairies and feedlots by increasing growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass value of progeny. Heterosis alone is well established to improve performance in a terminal system, but selection of complementary genetics is especially important to address the performance and carcass merit shortcomings inherent in the Holstein breed. We propose a collaborative project with dairies generating calves to enter a university-led feedlot research trial. Specifically, we will focus on: 1) relationship between sire genetics and growth potential, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics and 2) programmatic efforts to improve adoption of genetics for crossbreeding programs. Our goal is to improve the economic return and beef quality for integrated beef and dairy production systems including increased calf values to dairy producers and increased returns to feeders and packers.