The Moos Room™

Beef on Dairy Research: Growth, Efficiency, and Carcass Data

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad continues the deep dive into beef-on-dairy research, focusing on data collected in Minnesota. This is the second installment of a three-part series, where we examine how different beef breeds perform when crossed with dairy cattle.

Key highlights include:
✅ Pre-Weaning Performance: Limousin crossbred calves showed greater growth efficiency than Holstein calves, consuming less milk while gaining more weight.
✅ Breed Comparisons: Angus, Simmental, Charolais, Hereford, and Limousin crosses were evaluated from birth through harvest. Hereford calves had the highest weaning weights, while Charolais and Simmental showed strong growth through finishing.
✅ Carcass Data: Charolais and Hereford yielded the heaviest carcasses, while Limousin crosses had the largest ribeye areas. Angus and Hereford crosses finished the fastest, reaching market weight in fewer days.
✅ Meat Quality & Economics: Most animals graded Choice, with some achieving Prime. Economic analysis showed that Charolais and Hereford crosses brought in the highest total revenue due to their larger carcass sizes.

Next week, we’ll wrap up the series by exploring the role of genomics in beef-on-dairy systems. Tune in to find out if genomic testing is worth it for terminal animals!

📩 Questions or feedback? Email us at the[email protected] or visit University of Minnesota Livestock Extension online.

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> [email protected] or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory

In this episode of The Moos Room, hosts Emily and Brad tackle the latest updates on H5N1 (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) and its impact on the dairy industry. With raw milk testing set to begin in Minnesota, they break down what dairy producers need to know about the testing process, quarantine protocols, and potential impacts on farm operations.

Key Topics Covered:

• Delays in Minnesota's milk testing rollout and what it means for producers
• Overview of the USDA’s national milk testing program and its implementation in Minnesota
• Current H5N1 status across the U.S., with a focus on California and Minnesota
• Step-by-step look at how raw milk samples are collected and tested
• Quarantine measures and biosecurity protocols if a positive case is detected
• Human health precautions and the availability of PPE for dairy workers

Whether you're in Minnesota or another state, this episode provides valuable insights into H5N1 monitoring efforts and how to keep your dairy operation running smoothly amidst evolving challenges. Tune in to stay informed and prepared!

Raw Milk Testing Update

MN Board of Animal Health - Website

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> [email protected] or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory

Beef on Dairy: Genomics, Genetics, and Sire Selection

In this final episode of The Moos Room’s three-part Beef on Dairy series, Brad dives into the genetics and genomics of beef-on-dairy crosses. He breaks down the results of genomic testing on 50 crossbred animals, highlighting how breed composition influences carcass traits, marbling, and growth rates.

Brad explains how new genomic tools, such as Neogen’s identity profile, can help farmers predict carcass weight, average daily gain, and marbling potential early in an animal’s life. While the test worked well for supported breeds like Angus and Simmental, results for Charolais and other breeds were inconsistent due to database limitations.

The episode also covers sire differences, showing how genetic selection significantly impacts final carcass quality. Brad discusses his own approach to selecting beef sires for dairy cows—prioritizing calving ease and ribeye area over growth rate. He emphasizes that understanding sire variability is key to optimizing beef-on-dairy performance.

Finally, Brad explores how genomic testing could help feedlot management, allowing producers to sort and feed cattle based on their genetic potential, potentially increasing profitability. However, the cost-effectiveness of testing for terminal animals remains an open question.

Tune in to learn how genomics is shaping the future of beef-on-dairy production!

🎙 Have questions or scathing rebuttals? Email [email protected].

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> [email protected] or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad and Emily are joined by Katie Schmitt from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) to discuss the organization's role in managing genetic evaluations and the National Cooperator Database. Katie, a Minnesota native, shares insights into the CDCB's work, including their transition from USDA oversight to an independent nonprofit, ensuring the stewardship of dairy cattle data.

Key topics include the upcoming April 2025 updates to Net Merit, which will adjust economic weights to better reflect the current dairy market, and the base change, which will shift genetic evaluations to reflect progress based on cows born in 2020 rather than 2015. The episode covers the importance of data collection for genetic improvement, how farmers can contribute valuable performance data, and exciting new traits on the horizon, such as milking speed and calf health.

Listeners also enjoy some fun moments with the classic Moos Room “super secret” questions, where Katie reveals her favorite beef and dairy breeds, adding to the ongoing tally.

For more information, listeners are encouraged to visit the CDCB website at uscdcb.com and subscribe to their newsletter for regular updates.

Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> [email protected] or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory

We dive into the latest Bovine Leukosis (BLV) control strategies from a University of Minnesota dairy study at our herd in Morris. Learn how testing revealed a 28% BLV prevalence and the steps being taken to manage high-shedding cows. We also discuss best practices for preventing BLV transmission and improving herd health. Don't miss these actionable insights for your farm!

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> [email protected] or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory