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Growth Implant Timing and Effectiveness in Beef Cattle

One hundred crossbred beef steers were used in two experiments to evaluate effects of growth implants on performance. Steers were implanted either at 3.5 months and weaning (CALF); at weaning (WEAN); or not implanted (NONE). In Experiment 1 implanted steers weighed more at weaning (P = 0.01), and had a higher ADG for the entire trial compared to non-implanted steers (P = 0.03). In Experiment 2, at 80 d post wean, implanted steers outweighed NONE (P = 0.09). Overall ADG (P = 0.01) was greater for cattle that were implanted. In the feedlot the CALF group had the lowest ADG (P = 0.01), and final BW (P = 0.07). At harvest CALF had the highest dressing percentage (P = 0.04), smallest LMA (P = 0.1), and lowest IMF (P = 0.06). Implants can increase productivity in beef cattle however, marketing and management strategy will dictate use.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-3449
Date13 December 2014
CreatorsJones, Herschel Brad
PublisherScholars Junction
Source SetsMississippi State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
Formatapplication/pdf
SourceTheses and Dissertations

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