How to Raise a Holstein Steer for Beef

Raising Holsteins for beef is common in feedlots and on small farms. The lean meat produced is a good competitor of beef breeds with more fat content and marbling. Holsteins are rapidly becoming a dual-purpose breed, raised commercially and on homesteads. Learning the specifics of Holsteins offers a better chance at profit, or better meat production, since male calves are not necessary for dairy farms. Raising more than one at a time allows for competition in feeding and herd behavior, resulting in better production.

Things You'll Need

  • Barn or shelter from the elements
  • Feed and water troughs
  • Fencing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase three or more bull calves, within an age range of one week, from a nearby Holstein dairy farm if possible. Auctions are another source, but strive for the least amount of stress to the calves. Stress causes health problems, resulting in costs for veterinary assistance and medicines as well as loss of calves. Have the stalls or pen ready before bringing them home.

    • 2
      Bottle-feeding a calf is an exercise in patience--and planning, if there's more than one.

      Offer an electrolyte mix specifically for young calves for the first feeding, switching to milk replacer for subsequent feedings, twice a day from a bottle. Bottles designed for calves are readily available through online sources or local farm supply stores. Buy milk replacer formulated for calves three weeks old and younger, switching to older-than-three-weeks formula for the next step in milk replacer. Watch for diarrhea in newly transported calves.

    • 3
      A pellet food is available to start calves on before weaning.

      Offer starter pellets to the calves from the first day to assist weaning. Between two and three months old, gradually decrease milk feedings. Offer free-choice water in a bucket or trough and pellet food to the calves, making sure it is always available. Holsteins finish better with a low-energy diet in the beginning, using corn as a finishing feed. Discontinue the morning bottle feeding first; continue the evening bottle-feeding until the calves are eating and drinking on their own.

    • 4
      Do not allow a bull calf to mature without becoming a steer.

      Castrate the calves, make them steers instead of bulls, after they've adapted to their new surroundings and weaning is no longer a stressor. Call either a veterinarian for assistance or a cattle farmer familiar with the castration process. You now have Holstein steers ready for finishing to beef.

    • 5
      Soybean meal is a byproduct after removing oils.

      Feed a low-energy diet with little corn included. Local feed stores often have a mixture suited for Holstein beef finishing, according to size. Pellets are a large part of the mixture, with corn being in the mix. Supplement with hay or pasture until approximately 700 lbs. Feeding a soybean meal mixture, up to 700 lbs., is a cost-effective option for protein in Holstein growing for beef.

    • 6
      Increase corn for finishing of Holstein beef.

      Switch to a higher protein/corn ratio feed for finishing. Holsteins raised on lower energy diets until finishing have a better yield. From 700 lbs. to 1,000 lbs.--approximately, depending on the individual frame--feeding a high-energy diet has a productive conversion rate.