More Interest In Dairy Beef

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31262, 7 January 1967, Page 8

More Interest In Dairy Beef

Although no figures are available, it has been estimated that about 80,000 head of Friesian calves were reared last spring for dairy beef.

If all these calves were carried on to the age of 20 to 22 months, and well done, they would add 18,000 tons to New Zealand’s beef exports, and return £2,700,000 of additional farm income, and considerably more to export returns, in the view of Mr H. A. Seifert, a spokesman for New Zealand-owned freezing companies. Mr Seifert says possibly half these calves were reared by sheepfarmers, who brought them from dairy farms intending to carry them on to slaughter. The market prospect for weaners meant little to them, but it was of concern to those dairy farmers who reared about 40,000 calves as a side-line venture. They took a gamble that the weaners would return a price worthwhile to justify the venture. A figure of £l2 for a four-months-old weaner had been considered to give a reasonable return to the grower.

This was based on a bobby calf being worth £2 15s and that the feed bill would be £4, giving a return of £5 5s for rearing. “The market has been a satisfactory one, with the weaners selling from £l2 up to £l6 for the top lines. Be it noted that medium yearlings have been selling at about £26," says Mr Seifert “There is quite a degree of prejudice amongst some farmers against the dairy-breed stock. However, trials have proved that these are most economical cattle to fatten, and produce a high percentage of lean meat.” Mr Seifert says there are no grounds for ever-optimism; dairy beef will not be a superspecial product that is going to demand a premium. It is considered that it would make rather less on the local market accustomed to more prime beef, and likewise for exports to the American market. On the other hand, there could be a premium for such beef over the “quality” beef when certain European markets are seeking supplies, and possibly also for the Japanese market. Mr Seifert says the view is now developing that bull calves of suitable dairy breeds should be raised and grown for the production of bull beef rather than steer beef for slaughter at under two years of age.

Findings at the Meat Research Institute showed that there were no major differences in the quality

of bull and steer beef killed at this age. Jugoslavia had gained a reputation throughout Europe for its beef of this type. “in the light of lower lamb and wool prices, and considering the labour factor, it is timely to take a fresh look at the economics of beef versus sheep returns, and more so in view of overall prospects for the coming years.

“Suitable dairy-bred cattle are worth £l5 to £l6 as vealers at, say, six months of age. Before two years of age they can dress out at about 5001 b, which at £7 per 1001 b would give a return of £35 a head.” 5