“Feedlot Implant Programs”
by Chris Reinhardt, feedlot specialist
Few topics can stir up as much fervent debate in the coffee shop or in the ivory tower as that of growing/finishing implant strategies. Fortunately, there is a great deal of good, controlled, scientific information available to help with the decision. Unfortunately, few “experts” take the time to actually peruse the data to help come up with a science-based recommendation. A wise man once replied after being asked for an implant recommendation, “Use ‘em!” There is truth in that succinct approach—Implants work. Implants capitalize on the very same complicated hormonal cascade that controls all growth in the beef animal; similar to if you had used a larger framed bull to accomplish the very same end result: a larger, more efficient animal. Implants may be as close as we have in the beef industry to a free lunch.
But if we do decide to further complicate the discussion, we have to acknowledge that with choices come compromises. A more potent, higher dosage implant program will result in greater growth and greater efficiency, but also lower marbling content. A milder implant program may preserve greater marbling, but you will give up efficiency and pounds. Based on current economics, my standard recommendation is to match implant dosage to animal size and energy content of the diet. In other words, freshly weaned calves being fed a starting/growing diet should probably receive a mild estrogenic-based implant. Backgrounded calves can receive a more moderate dosage combination implant. And yearlings on a high-grain, finishing diet can receive a high-potency conventional terminal implant.
Invariably, we encounter the question about feeding for a “natural” market. Make sure you have the market and the premium guaranteed, in legally binding form, before making a decision to not implant your cattle. Because on this scientists agree: implants add a great deal of efficiency and weight to your cattle, regardless of what strategy you decide to employ.
