Objective Our objectives were to determine price dif-ferences between (1) dairy bull calves and beef-dairy-cross bull calves, (2) dairy bull calves and beef-dairy-cross heifer calves, and (3) beef-dairy-cross bull calves and beef-dairy-cross heifer calves. Materials and Methods Three auction reports con-taining data of beef-dairy-cross bull calves, beef-dairy-cross heifer calves, and dairy (primarily Holstein) bull calves sold in Kentucky and Pennsylvania from 2020 through 2025 were analyzed for yearly price differences between each breed × sex contemporary (n = 3) and location. Data available from the Pennsylvania auction were separated by feeder calf grade, with Number 1 and Number 2 calf data included and Number 3 and Number 4 calf data excluded from the analysis. Results and Discussion Across all 3 reports beef-dairy-cross bull calves demanded a greater average price ($/head) compared with dairy bull calves across all years studied, with the greatest price difference realized in 2025. However, with average mean prices increasing from 2020 to 2025, the percentage difference between the price of beef-dairy-cross bull calves and dairy bull calves decreased from 282% in 2020 and settled at 29% to 38% in 2025. Beef-dairy-cross heifer calves followed similar trends, with price premiums for the beef-dairy-cross animals increas-ing over the study period in absolute terms but decreas-ing from highs of 239% in 2020 to 17% to 32% in 2025. Beef-dairy-cross bull calves demanded a greater average price compared with beef-dairy-cross heifer calves across most years. When comparing beef-dairy-cross heifer calves and beef-dairy-cross bull calves, they had smaller price differences, with percentage differences being 4% to 11% in 2025. Implications and Applications Beef-dairy-cross bull calves have demanded a premium price compared with dairy bull calves and beef-dairy-cross heifer calves over the last 6 yr; however, the percentage difference has decreased in recent years. This analysis used the limited data avail-able, but more frequent and robust data are needed for a deeper analysis.
Objective Our objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementing preweaning dairy calves with smectite (montmorillonite bentonite clay) on serum immunoglobu-lin G (IgG), morbidity, and mortality. Materials and Methods Holstein and Jersey female calves were assigned to control (CON; force-fed 50 mL of water; n = 100) or smectite supplementation (SMECT; force-fed a paste made of 2.5 g of smectite and 5 mL of water followed by 50 mL of water; n = 100) daily from 1 (after colostrum feeding) to 10 d of age. Jugular blood samples were collected at d 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 of age for determination of serum total protein, IgG, and blood he-matocrit from 44 calves. Researchers assessed fecal consis-tency, appetite, and respiratory disease daily up to 20 d of age. Calves’ therapeutic treatment and mortality records were collected up to 30 d of age. Results and Discussion Serum IgG concentrations tended to be greater for SMECT compared with CON calves during the supplementation period (22.0 ± 2.07 vs. 17.0 ± 1.98 g/L). Serum total protein and blood hemato-crit were similar among SMECT and CON calves. No ef-fects were detected on health and therapeutic treatments. However, mortality within 1 mo of age (3% vs. 8%) and risk of death tended to be less for SMECT compared with CON calves (risk ratio = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.10 to 1.32). Implications and Applications Low-dose smectite supplementation may help to maintain passive immunity while supplemented and reduce mortality within 1 mo of age.
Objective This 3-yr study evaluated the suitability of 2 varieties (Taza and Bunker) of triticale silage versus barley silage in beef backgrounding systems. Materials and Methods The experiment assessed forage yield and quality, steer performance, feed sort-ing, and economic outcomes. Fall-weaned crossbred steer calves were used in the study, 402 in 2016 (308 ± 22 kg), 238 in 2017 (335 ± 23 kg), and 299 in 2018 (316 ± 18 kg). Animals were stratified by BW and randomly allo-cated to 1 of 3 isonitrogenous, isocaloric TMR diets (n = 4 replications per diet each year). Feedlot performance data were analyzed using a linear mixed model assuming a completely randomized design. Results and Discussion Across years, Bunker and Taza triticale had a greater forage yield (6,749 and 6,592 kg of DM/ha, respectively) than barley (6,008 kg of DM/ ha). Barley silage contained less ADF, NDF, and lignin and more starch and Ca, with a tendency for greater TDN, whereas CP did not differ. No differences in steer performance (DMI, ADG, feed efficiency) or feed sorting were observed. Although the differences were not signifi-cant, numerical feeding cost was lowest for Taza triticale ($1.11/head per day), whereas Bunker triticale and barley ($1.15/head per day) were similar, and numerical cost of gains were $0.78/kg, $0.79/kg, and $0.77/kg, respectively. Implications and Applications Overall, triticale silages supported comparable steer growth and feeding costs to barley silage, suggesting that Taza and Bunker are viable alternatives for beef backgrounding systems in western Canada.
Objective Our objective was to evaluate the effects of different inclusion levels of calcium propionate (CaPr) in a protein supplement on growth performance, feed efficien-cy, body fat reserves, and economic return of replacement beef heifers managed under dry-season conditions and fed low-quality forage. Materials and Methods Forty full-blood Beefmas-ter heifers (~334 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to receive 0, 20, 40, or 60 g of CaPr/heifer daily for 42 d in a completely randomized design. Heifers were individually housed and fed a protein supplement (0.84 kg/d; 48.5% CP) plus ground corn stover offered ad libitum. Body weight and feed intake were recorded every 14 d, body fat reserves were assessed by ultrasound, and an economic evaluation based on feed costs was conducted. Results and Discussion Low-to-moderate CaPr in-clusion (20 to 40 g/d) improved BW gain and feed efficien-cy, reduced residual feed intake, and increased rump-fat thickness without affecting rib-fat thickness or longissimus lumborum area. In contrast, the highest dose (60 g/d) at-tenuated productive responses. Inclusion of 20 to 40 g/d increased income over feed costs and reduced cost of gain, whereas 60 g/d increased feed costs without productive benefit. Implications and Applications Supplementation with CaPr at 20 g/heifer per day (effective range 20 to 40 g/d) represents a practical strategy to support positive energy balance and body fat reserve accretion in dry-season beef systems relying on low-quality forage. Under these conditions, CaPr supplementation can improve growth performance, feed efficiency, and economic return without the negative associative effects commonly observed with cereal grain supplementation.
Objective This study aimed to evaluate forage pro-duction and performance of meat lambs grazing differ-ent forage cultivars during the dry season in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Materials and Methods A randomized block design was used with 5 cultivars: Marandu, BRS Ipyporã, BRS Paiaguás, BRS Quênia, and BRS Tamani, under continu-ous stocking, with variable stocking rates. Lambs of mixed breed were used and received daily protein supplementa-tion at 1% of BW. Results and Discussion The greatest forage mass was observed in the BRS Tamani cultivar, 4,225 kg of DM/ha. The greatest forage accumulation rates were ob-served in the Marandu and BRS Tamani cultivars (14.4 and 14.9 kg of DM/ha per day, respectively). In contrast, the least value was observed in the BRS Ipyporã cultivar, 2.6 kg of DM/ha per day. The Marandu cultivar presented the greatest live/dead ratio of approximately 1.13. The chemical composition of the leaves of the Marandu culti-var presents a greater fiber content (NDF and ADF) and a lesser CP content. The BRS Ipyporã cultivar presented a greater CP content and a lesser fibrous content (NDF, ADF, and cellulose) in the simulated grazing material. The Marandu cultivar presents a greater stocking rate and a greater gain per area, 61% greater than the average of the other cultivars. Implications and Applications These results dem-onstrate that Marandu is the most suitable cultivar for lamb meat production during the dry season in the Cer-rado. Selecting appropriate forage cultivars can enhance lamb production efficiency and sustainability under tropi-cal, dry conditions.
