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Implants and Their Use in Beef Cattle Production. What are implants?. Middle one-third. Needle insertion site. Cartilage ring. Implant site. Natural or synthetic anabolic compounds Manufactured in slow release systems Placed in back of ear under skin
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What are implants? Middle one-third Needle insertion site Cartilage ring Implant site Natural or synthetic anabolic compounds Manufactured in slow release systems Placed in back of ear under skin Effective days: 70 to 350, most 100 to 120 Available for suckling calves, grazing cattle, and finishing cattle Cost: $1-4/implant
Implants . . . • Deliver growth-promoting, anabolic compounds • Increase protein deposition and decrease fat deposition • Increase profitability • Release compounds slowly over time into bloodstream of animal • Increase ADG 10-15% +/- 5% • Numerous research trials/demonstration • Baby/Suckling Calves – Additional 0.10 lb. ADG • Stocker Calves – Additional 0.20 lb. ADG
Compounds Utilized in Implants Estrogenic Androgenic Testosterone propionate Trenbalone acetate (TBA) Synthetic progesterone • Estradiol 17-beta • Estradiol benzoate (72% estradiol beta) • Zeranol (~34% active estrogen)
Middle one-third Needle insertion site Cartilage ring Implant site
Implant Procedure • Read the label on all products • Obtain necessary equipment • Become familiar with implant applicator • Properly restrain the animal using head gate • Inspect animals ear • Clean ear if necessary • Initially wipe needle through disinfectant sponge – bevel down! • Slip needle under skin to place implant on middle 1/3 of ear, deposit implant and withdraw needle • Feel ear to ensure correct implantation
Middle one-third Needle insertion site Cartilage ring Implant site
Implanting Tips • Disinfect outside of ear with solution if necessary • Remove all mud, manure, dirt • Always use a sharp needle that is properly installed in the gun • Have disinfecting solution ready to wipe outside of needle between each implant • Don’t allow solution to run down inside needle • Avoid implant placement near major blood vessels or in cartilage • Damage to the ear from parasites may affect implant efficacy
Implants Available for Suckling Calves, Heifers and Stocker Calves
Suckling Calves • Calves should be 45 days of age before implanting • ADG boost of 0.1 lb per day
Stockers >400 lbs. • Calves should be 45 days of age before implanting • ADG boost of 0.18-0.27 lbs. per day • Payout 100-120 days
Heifers – To Implant or Not to Implant? • A common question in the industry for those retaining breeding stock • Fear of potential issues with conception rates and calving difficulty • Research has shown heifers can be implanted once between 45 days and weaning with no issues • Implanting once at birth, once near puberty (9-14 mo) OR multiple implants reduces fertility • 7-39% reduction in pregnancy rate (Selk) over those not implanted
Suckling calves% increase in gain Duckett et al. 2001
% increase in daily gain by implanting stocker calves 0.25 – 0.33 lb. added gain/day
The Hang-up with Implants • Quality Grade can be reduced slightly by implants given during the feedlot phase • More research needs to be done to further investigate this • In the current segmented beef industry, implanting decisions are dictated by phase of production in which cattle are marketed. NOTE: Implant strategies developed must consider the resources available, cattle type, age at slaughter, and if a pricing grid is used