The study looked at a new way to raise young beef cattle in New Zealand to avoid slaughtering surplus dairy calves at a very young age. By using a mathematical model, researchers found that raising beef cattle for 8-14 months on pasture can be more profitable and efficient than the traditional method of raising them for 18-33 months. This new system increased farm profitability and reduced the need to slaughter calves at a young age, benefiting both farmers and the dairy industry.