The Expanding Dairy-Beef Calf Industry: Challenges and Opportunities in Pre-Feedlot Nutrition, Health and Welfare

An increasing proportion of calves entering the beef industry originate from dairy herds, representing a rapidly growing component of the global protein supply chain; however, best practices for their nutrition and health management remain poorly defined, particularly during early life. The objective of this narrative review is to provide a summary of current practices, challenges, and opportunities in the dairy-beef calf industry, with particular focus on the pre-feedlot period. A lack of research and inconsistent policies across governing bodies led to knowledge gaps regarding optimal management at the dairy farm of origin, including strategies for genetic decisions and colostrum management. Upon arrival at calf-rearing facilities and feedlots, clear guidance is lacking on optimal pre- and post-weaning diets, implant and vaccination programs, and antimicrobial use. Dairy-beef calves undergo unique stressors that are not present in the traditional beef system, such as low levels of colostrum and milk, early weaning (∼2 mo of age compared with 5 - 9 mo), commingling, and transportation. As such, specific management strategies, including phase-feeding or nutritional interventions before or during transport, may help calves face these stressors. Therefore, for dairy-beef production to be sustainable, many of the health and welfare challenges will need to be overcome. For example, the current level of antimicrobial usage, where 61-87% of calves receive at least one antimicrobial during the preweaning period, and the duration and conditions of transportation are unsustainable. Addressing these challenges will enhance standard rearing practices and contribute to improved calf health, growth, and welfare of the industry. Thus, through targeted longitudinal research focusing on early-life management of dairy-beef calves and the creation of recommended best practices, dairy-beef production may present a profitable and sustainable source of beef production.