Innovative Approaches Transform Beef Cross Calves into Marketable Assets

Many dairy farms have embraced innovation by introducing beef genetics into their breeding programs, reaping benefits in both replacement management and increased market value of their calves. A recent study in Wisconsin revealed that 65% of surveyed farmers sell their dairy beef crosses within the first week of birth, while 12.5% raise them to finish.

Although these calves are not kept on the farm, they should still be treated like any other replacement animal. It is crucial to dip their navels with 7% iodine, administer proper vaccinations, and provide them with high-quality colostrum. Colostrum quality is determined by its IgG content, with a minimum threshold of 50 IgG considered to be of high quality. Concerns about using high-quality colostrum on calves that may leave the farm can be addressed by separating colostrum reserves, with 50-70 IgG colostrum allocated for market calves and greater than 70 IgG for replacement heifers. Prompt feeding of colostrum, within a couple of hours of birth, is vital for their well-being.

For those marketing weaned calves, it’s important to track their average daily gain and ensure they reach milestones such as doubling their birth weight by 8 weeks of age or achieving an average daily gain of approximately 1.5 lbs per day. Regular weighing using a weigh tape or portable scale allows for monitoring progress and determining the ideal timing for vaccinations. Respiratory vaccinations should be administered between 400 and 500 pounds, with a minimum of two weeks before transportation from the farm.

When it comes to selling the calves to private buyers or through contracts, maintaining comprehensive health records is essential. Buyers expect to see evidence of proper calf care, including vaccination and processing records. The presence of navel infections and signs of respiratory disease can significantly impact the value of the calves. Demonstrating the provision of high-quality colostrum through passive transfer data further enhances the marketability of the calves, ensuring they are set up for future success.