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2011-03
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Keane, M. G., Beef Cross Breeding of Dairy And Beef Cows, End of Project Report, Teagasc, 2011
Abstract
The rationale for crossing dairy cows with beef bulls is to increase the beef productivity and
value of the progeny. The proportion of dairy cows available for beef crossing is determined
by the dairy herd replacement rate. The performance of cross-bred cattle is generally superior
to the mean of the parent breeds because of heterosis. This is most pronounced for
reproduction, maternal and calf survival traits. Crossing dairy cows with early maturing beef
breeds (e.g. Angus, Hereford) has little effect on growth but improves carcass conformation
and reduces feed intake. Crossing with most late maturing beef breeds also improves carcass
conformation and reduces feed intake, but in addition, growth rate, kill-out proportion and
carcass muscle proportion are increased. Cross breeding can have small negative effects on
dam milk production, and subsequent reproduction can be impaired following a long
gestation or difficult calving. There is little advantage in crossing with double muscled sire
breeds (e.g. Belgian Blue, Piedmontese) compared with the larger conventional late maturing
breeds (e.g. Charolais, Blonde d'Aquitaine). There are few effects of sire breed on meat
quality.