Offering one of the highest returns on investment, implants are a great investment technology for cattle producers.
But how do they actually pay off in the long run? In this blog, we’ll discuss the return on investment that cattle producers can expect, what cattle implants are and how implants work, the different types of implants, whether implants are food safe, and how to put inputs in cattle.
Implants have a very solid return on investment (ROI), according to research from the University of Georgia Extension. On average, producers can expect daily gain increases of 15–20% in the feedlot. Using an implant containing both estrogen and androgen improves feed efficiency by 6–14%.
While the use of implants can reduce marbling scores, they can increase ribeye area by 3–4%. Overall carcass weight at harvest also increases when an implant is present.
When it's time to design your implant program, it's helpful to consult with a professional. They’ll be able to help you maximize the benefits of an implant program, minimize the negative effects, and help you meet your marketing goals.
Implants are small pellets inserted into the ear of a calf that slowly release a growth stimulant. The pellets are usually compressed powder of hormone compounds.
Implants work by producing physiological responses in cattle that mimic their natural hormones, according to Oklahoma State University. The cattle utilize nutrients from their feed more efficiently, resulting in faster growth and improved muscle development that results in more lean muscle.
There are two different types of hormones used in beef cattle implants: naturally occurring hormones and synthetic hormones.
Naturally occurring hormones include:
Estradiol
Progesterone
Testosterone
Synthetic hormones include:
Zeranol
Trenbolone acetate
Zeranol mimics estradiol, and trenbolone acetate mimics testosterone.
Growth-promoting implants have been approved and regulated for use in beef cattle production by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the 1950s. They are labeled for use according to cattle sex, age, and stage of production.
They can be used in the following stages of production:
Beef calves aged 2 months and older, with some products having different restrictions in regard to age
Growing beef steers and heifers on pasture
Growing beef steers and heifers that are fed in confinement
The FDA informed sponsors that beef cattle ear implants must be labeled with reimplantation information by July 2023, noting: “Unless a cattle ear implant clearly states on labeling that they are approved for reimplantation within a production phase, they are not approved for reimplantation.”
Beef from cattle that have been implanted have similar estrogen levels as beef from non-implanted cattle.
This chart from Texas A&M University shows estrogenic activity in a variety of foods. For scale, a nanogram is the equivalent of one blade of grass on an entire football field.
Source: https://beefskillathon.tamu.edu/implanting-beef-calves-and-stocker-cattle/
Producers use an implant gun to place the pellets in the ear, carefully avoiding veins, arteries, tag holes, or any defects. Implants are placed on the back of the ear, halfway between the tip of the ear and its base.
Learn how to properly implant cattle with step by step instructions and a demo video here.
Help increase ROI for your herd by shopping through the FBN Animal Health store, which offers a wide range of implants from such manufacturers as Elanco, Merck, and Zoetis. Products include:
FBN also offers implant-related animal health supplies, such as:
With a broad variety of key animal health supplies, an easy online checkout process, and direct-to-farm shipping, FBN has the products you need to maximize your ROI and keep your livestock operation running smoothly.
If a product requires a prescription, provide your preferred veterinarian’s contact information when you place your online order, and we’ll reach out to them on your behalf to obtain the prescription. See prescription purchasing instructions here.
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