No shortage of dairy calf to beef system options

Current industry figures show that approximately 30% (340,000) of dairy calves (Friesian) are replacement heifers for the dairy herd.

Aside from the calves that are exported, the remaining calves (approximately 840,000 calves) are available for beef production.

In general, male dairy calves are managed under bull or steer systems, while beef crossbred heifer calves are either operated in low input production systems, or retained for breeding in the suckler herd.