Over the entire feeding period, crossbred Holstein steers had a 3% less dry matter intake and 5% improved feed efficiency compared to purebred Holstein steers, indicating that crossbred animals were more efficient in utilizing the energy in the diet than purebred Holstein steers. We also observed significant differences in carcass characteristics between the two breeds. Overall, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, fat cover, ribeye area and marbling score were all greater for crossbred Angus-Holstein steers compared to purebred Holstein steers, and although all Holstein steers graded USDA Choice or greater, crossbred steers put more fat in the carcass.
Beef breed comparisons
In another study, we aimed to compare two of the most common beef breeds used in dairies – Angus and Charolais. Angus-Holstein and Charolais-Holstein steers were brought to the feedlot at approximately 422 pounds, and all animals were fed the same steam-flaked corn-based diet for 301 days.
Over the entire feeding period, Angus-Holstein steers had a 3% increase in final live weight and 5% greater dry matter intake compared to Charolais-Holstein steers; however, there were no other production differences between the breeds, and all animals had similar feed-to-gain ratio. When it came to carcass characteristics, Angus-Holsteins had increased fat cover and marbling scores compared to Charolais-Holstein steers. However, Charolais-Holsteins had a larger ribeye area. Again, Angus’s crosses finished heavier and put more fat in the carcass.
Heat tolerance of crossbred Holsteins
The Imperial Valley of California can reach summer temperatures of over 120°F for multiple days. Moreover, the ability of the animals to mitigate the extreme heat load can have a significant impact on production; therefore, evaluating the impact of extreme heat on cattle performance is always a major consideration for our research.
In our studies, Angus-Holstein steers (darker hair coat) had greater internal body temperature during the early summer months compared to purebred Holstein steers; however, there was no difference during the mid- and late-summer periods. Performance metrics indicate that although there might have been a difference in heat tolerance in the early summer period, it did not impact overall performance.
When comparing heat tolerance between Angus-Holstein and Charolais-Holstein steers, again, the black-hided Angus-Holstein steers had greater internal body temperatures throughout the summer than Charolais-Holstein steers. Similarly to the first trial, while there was a difference in body temperature and heat tolerance, Angus-Holstein steers still had improved overall performance, indicating that the increase in core body temperature did not affect overall performance when cattle were fed for a long period of time.
Final thoughts
Overall, Angus-Holstein crossbred steers consumed less feed and had improved carcass characteristics compared to purebred Holstein steers and improved performance and carcass characteristics compared to Charolais-Holstein crossbred steers. While the extreme heat of the summer seemed to affect the Angus-Holstein steers the most, it did not affect the overall performance of the Angus-Holstein crossbred steers. Continuing to build the database of crossbred beef-on-dairy cattle in the feedlot is critical, as sire may play a significant role in productivity and efficiency, as seen in other studies. Understanding the other parameters that may affect performance (sire, breed, etc.) is critical when making breeding decisions.
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