Improve digestion and utilization efficiency.

Results in less incidence of acidosis as a results of safer digestion.

Contains fewer fines which can lead to digestive issues (bloat).

Provides some scratch factor to help maintain rumen health.

Advantages of feeding whole shelled corn with PDB supplements are: Every ingredient has a purpose to help calves perform and grow. The Kent Precision Dairy Beef Program is formulated to be fed with high corn rations with locked in formulas, including Sodium Diacetate to help stabilize rumen pH, Zinpro organic trace minerals to help improve performance, as well as balanced proteins designed to utilize the energy of corn efficiently. The key when feeding these calves is keeping energy high and the ration balanced with Kent® Precision Dairy Beef (PDB) Finisher (Kent product #1594 – PDB Finisher ZP 320R 100T). Another good option for producers is using a bunk and total mixed ration (TMR) with high moisture (HM) corn or earlage. Using whole shell corn in a self-feeder is a great option that fits many operations. It is best to feed them just like Holsteins steers by putting them on full feed with a properly balanced ration from the start to promote rapid and efficient growth. So, do we feed these dairy-beef cross calves differently from straight Holstein steers? The simple answer is no.

Jersey-beef cross calves may have reduced gains as compared to their Holstein-beef cross counterparts, as well as the potential of discounts for yellow fat. The only caution of dairy-beef crossbreeding programs is the utilization of the Jersey breed. These preferred gain results are due to hybrid vigor created when crossbreeding dairy and beef cattle. When compared to straight bred Holstein calves, dairy-beef cross calves have better gains and feed conversion rates, and ultimately, a higher selling price. Angus bulls are usually the breed of choice in these programs, however, I have seen a variety of other beef breed bulls used with similar results. Over the past few years, dairy farms have been benefiting from crossbreeding their dairy cows to beef bulls.

Raising holstein bull calves for beef