Economic Analysis of Yearling-Fed and Calf-Fed Systems of Native Beef and Dairy-Beef Crossbred Steers
Abstract
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.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology
Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Volume
- 58
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 538–549
- Publication date
- 19 February 2026
- Language
- EN