Raising dairy-beef crossbred calves is a value-added production strategy that is here to stay, and dairy producers have a tremendous opportunity to influence the success of their crossbred program through early-life nutrition. 

Researchers at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center have diligently worked to better understand the specific nutritional needs of crossbred calves. Their research has focused on preweaning nutritional needs, but the findings have shown that early-life nutrition has a significant impact on the long-term growth and performance of a calf.

Dr. Olivia Genther-Schroeder, senior manager of dairy feed R&D for Purina Animal Nutrition, joins us today to share why early-life nutrition plays a critical role in the overall growth and performance of dairy-beef crossbred calves. 

Q: Why is early-life nutrition and care so important for long-term success of dairy-beef crossbred calves?

Q: What are the nutritional needs, in particular protein, of dairy-beef crossbred calves?

Q: Why should dairy-beef crossbred calves be fed differently than purebred dairy calves intended for beef?

Q: Beyond nutrition, are there other things a producer should consider when raising dairy-beef crossbred calves? 

Q: What are the health and growth consequences of holding back in the pre-weaning phase? 

To learn more about raising high-quality dairy-beef crossbred calves, talk with your Purina representative or visit purinamills.com.

Olivia Genther-Schroeder, Ph.D.

Sr. Manager, Dairy Feed R&D

Purina Animal Nutrition 

[email protected]

This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.

Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers throughout the United States. Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, the company is an industry-leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets.