Fall calving operations it’s time to plan for growth
promoting implants. I know this becomes quite controversial for some, but for
beef cattle producers growth hormone implants are a valuable tool for
agricultural producers who raise and produce beef cattle. For producers, heavier is generally better,
at least when it comes to calves at market.
And the easiest way to put on 20 pounds is to use an implant. Implants are one of the most underutilized
technologies. One reason producers may
not use implants is because they don’t know what they are.
Hormone
implants that are researched and approved by FDA to be safe are implanted into
the steer or heifer to help it gain more weight than a non-implanted beef
would. Implanted cattle show a 15
percent to 20 percent gain over non-implanted cattle.
There
are three types of implants on the market – low and high dose estrogen, high
potency trembolone and estrogen combinations.
Some are sex specific or age specific.
Implants
work in conjunction with the animal’s feed program, working best when they
receive proper nutrition.
For
maximum implant benefit, calves should gain at least a pound per day while
suckling on their mother. Generally, the faster the calves gain, the greater
the implant response.
There
are several approved implants for nursing steers and heifers and for cattle in
the feedyard. Producers need to read
implant labels. Many implants should not
be used on calves less than 30-45 days old.
Implanting prior to that time, such as at birth, has been shown to cause
fertility problems in heifers intended for replacements. No implants are currently labeled for use in
bull calves intended for future use as herd sires.
At
a recent cattleman’s clinic, they demonstrated the best techniques for
implanting cattle. The proper place for
implantation is the middle third of the backside of the ear.
First
and foremost, producers need to keep instruments clean. I recommend using an old paint tray and a
kitchen sponge. Add a small amount of
disinfectant and run the needle across the sponge between animals. A major cause of implant failure is because
of improper needle disinfecting. The
sponge may also be used to wipe the surface of the ear clean.
The second
most common reason for implant failure is when the implant gets inadvertently
crushed due to forceful administration.
It is best to withdrawn the needle slightly as the implant is deposited
to avoid crushing it. Some companies
also manufacture a special implant gun with a retractable needle.
A
third reason implants often fail is because someone gets in a hurry. Instead of putting it under the skin, they
put the needle all the way through the ear and it just shoots out.
After
the work is done, cattle producers should clean instruments and protect any
leftover implants. Implants are
degradable. Keep them stored in an
airtight, waterproof bag or container in the house – don’t throw them under the
truck seat.
Additional
information on implanting including a complete list of approved implants can be
obtained at the local county Extension office.
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