AN increasing number of beef cross calves are being registered from the dairy herd, with many entering the dairy-beef supply chain, thanks to fresh efforts to find value in so-called 'surplus' calves.

Now a project led by Scotland’s Rural College, and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, has explored the communication between different stakeholders in the initial ‘link’ in the dairy-beef supply chain.

The researchers interviewed a small selection of calf producers and rearers to examine the flow of information about calves between the parties, and looked at the outlets being used to sell and purchase dairy-bred beef calves. More than 80% of those interviewed were selling or purchasing calves directly farm-to-farm.

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The researchers found that while discussions about the dairy-bred beef calves to gather background information was key, feedback was not always given about the subsequent health and performance of calves on the rearing unit.

Of the calf producers who were receiving feedback, the majority had made some slight changes to their rearing practices and/or breeding strategy. Some of the calf rearers had also started to investigate the genetics behind their better performing calves to encourage the use of specific beef sires.

All parties were aware of the concerns from the public surrounding the fate of calves and the reputation of the dairy industry. However, the calf producers were also aware of their own business reputation when selling dairy-bred beef calves, with nobody wanting to be seen as the supplier of ill-thriven calves or calves that caused repeated issues for the calf rearers.

Research associate at SRUC’s Beef and Sheep Research Centre, David Bell, said: “Although the views highlighted represent a small proportion of the sector, they indicate the awareness of both parties of the part they can play in the whole dairy-beef supply chain. While there is a need for additional mechanisms to enhance this further, the overall message coming from the interviews is the need for integration to succeed.”