Cow Calf - Implanting nursing calves

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Dusty Britches

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From the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers newsletter.

COW-CALF CORNER: IMPLANTING NURSING CALVES

Paul Beck, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Nutrition Specialist

Implanting preweaning is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase production for the cow calf producer. Implants are typically administered when the calves are between two months and four months of age. Research shows that implants given during the suckling phase will increase average daily gain of steer calves by approximately 0.10 pound per day. The increase in gains by implanting heifers is slightly better at 0.12 pounds per day. Implanting heifer calves at birth decreases pregnancy rate of replacement heifers by 30 to 50%, but implanting heifers between 1 and 3 months of age does not affect pregnancy rate later in life.

Most calf implants are designed to last 120 days. Calves should be 30 days to 45 days old before they are implanted, refer to manufactures label for approved timing. Bull calves intended for breeding should not be implanted. Bull calves not intended for breeding should be castrated at the time of implanting because implants impact scrotal development, which makes later castration more difficult.

Many producers follow the practice of leaving bull calves intact until weaning rather than castrating them at an early age. Jokingly known as the "Oklahoma Implant" in other beef producing areas, the idea is that natural hormones produced in the testicles increases ADG and weaning weight of the calves. Numerous research trials have shown that implanted steer calves gain weight faster and wean heavier than bull calves. This is because bull calves have very little testosterone production until they reach puberty at a much later age than normal weaning.

The stress of castration at weaning reduces post-weaning gain potential and the calf's ability to withstand diseases typically associated with weaning and marketing. This difference in post-weaning performance of bulls versus steers is recognized by cattle buyers, as indicated by the $5 to $10 per cwt premium for steers over intact bull calves. Producers wanting to maximize the value of male calves at weaning should consider early castration at birth or at two months to four months of age and use an implant approved for nursing calves.

Implanting your calves before weaning is cost effective and will increase weaning weights of both steers and heifers with very little impact on reproduction rates of replacement heifers. There are several products labeled for use in pre-weaned calves, using the right product at the right time can provide returns of $25 to 30 for each dollar invested in implants, this will help pay for increases production costs we are facing this year.

I've always used Ralgro, which can be implanted very early, less than 30 days of age, but I generally wait until 2-3 months of age. I've been looking at Synovex. Does anyone have a preferred one they use?
 
My plan was to implant steer calves with Ralgro at birth this year, but I got voted down :mad:
I guess I've got almost 10 months to make my case for the next calf crop.
 
Here's some implanted beef facts. Some of these are slides I took pics of.



y4m435eBCoXMEbhWExoV-n5VjomxyeuWP05ZT9_C6rbADjyP3S-eNC9WkzF7nLyj8hflGNsPpxbkB4tbA2OHk_HuvjEJQK1PhGJqoRaK81541hzUjXMxz1V0PhkqnRlthvluRatwN3aYoii8tVi_ujMofzOvNw39G8Fs7LMf-hEIGTrJOxMwqf2E3lsezje9wKA


y4mGeljpPtxXNpP7cz0BdkCftLR-E-tUQVgtbUOKSXWloFkmY6p6_bsmfxC8lW1EpsO4jsuSzAWkziTOZUZSY4eiZ6Bv_NsjjIUxJYtbor4eGlRo-6phVSCULfQjdOPWpjF9z-8joIt3_3QzVZf_iQ8C0OvSVh6LUat0JL-oAPAESWaKCtpo36hlwAS50G7UX-i


y4mTCVSmtryr7rRtIkxRpcvZ_5FJ5tfeb2O0265Z4nVBAyqL8DK70VEyXQbIhQlLq9FWc68k-tKgoU0fq9GNRQzHFyLCzm6_3uSayKW8kAOIeoKFpFimMLndbxEDexh0ZHnI25LaEvjqwrV7OJ-qz2dsL0LnSp1bg6lh_MrEf3EeHz_NmktRQRnmZ1GRuNHhTBA


This last visual is from an ag scientist. She uses this to provide a realistic view of relative hormone levels in various products. Furthermore, most post-menopausal women will tell you they must avoid soy products due to the amount of estrogen in them.

y4mOSOnvRmHhsloyNTcy1SkfeBEfJTMGx9aIMpCUSUNunQTPTFEMiVVNH_DAMzAqCY0bWNP9iuAR0jxIytJLR3-L0psx7TiwUBjP8Lqb6om0Tp8mvU10ks9LeIKRsSGbqfY7J9vwci2iwbF7v7KnzaSXdfp32bAIiIEAVvft0SGEQJY6DHydSYxHe8JufjsrVnn
 
From the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers newsletter.

COW-CALF CORNER: IMPLANTING NURSING CALVES



I've always used Ralgro, which can be implanted very early, less than 30 days of age, but I generally wait until 2-3 months of age. I've been looking at Synovex. Does anyone have a preferred one they use?
I'm on the fence on using implants...

I did it for a couple of years on my first ranch in Arkansas and the calves looked great and grew just fine. Did they do significantly better? I just don't know for sure.

I've always made an effort to wean 600 pound calves and do it by choosing my maternal lines very carefully, so a few extra pounds doesn't really make a huge difference.

In the end It just seemed like an added cost and extra work... and some mental anguish with all the negative hype from people that are organic types broadcasting critical commentary. At this point I just don't see it as a competitive advantage.
 
Here's some implanted beef facts. Some of these are slides I took pics of.



y4m435eBCoXMEbhWExoV-n5VjomxyeuWP05ZT9_C6rbADjyP3S-eNC9WkzF7nLyj8hflGNsPpxbkB4tbA2OHk_HuvjEJQK1PhGJqoRaK81541hzUjXMxz1V0PhkqnRlthvluRatwN3aYoii8tVi_ujMofzOvNw39G8Fs7LMf-hEIGTrJOxMwqf2E3lsezje9wKA


y4mGeljpPtxXNpP7cz0BdkCftLR-E-tUQVgtbUOKSXWloFkmY6p6_bsmfxC8lW1EpsO4jsuSzAWkziTOZUZSY4eiZ6Bv_NsjjIUxJYtbor4eGlRo-6phVSCULfQjdOPWpjF9z-8joIt3_3QzVZf_iQ8C0OvSVh6LUat0JL-oAPAESWaKCtpo36hlwAS50G7UX-i


y4mTCVSmtryr7rRtIkxRpcvZ_5FJ5tfeb2O0265Z4nVBAyqL8DK70VEyXQbIhQlLq9FWc68k-tKgoU0fq9GNRQzHFyLCzm6_3uSayKW8kAOIeoKFpFimMLndbxEDexh0ZHnI25LaEvjqwrV7OJ-qz2dsL0LnSp1bg6lh_MrEf3EeHz_NmktRQRnmZ1GRuNHhTBA


This last visual is from an ag scientist. She uses this to provide a realistic view of relative hormone levels in various products. Furthermore, most post-menopausal women will tell you they must avoid soy products due to the amount of estrogen in them.

y4mOSOnvRmHhsloyNTcy1SkfeBEfJTMGx9aIMpCUSUNunQTPTFEMiVVNH_DAMzAqCY0bWNP9iuAR0jxIytJLR3-L0psx7TiwUBjP8Lqb6om0Tp8mvU10ks9LeIKRsSGbqfY7J9vwci2iwbF7v7KnzaSXdfp32bAIiIEAVvft0SGEQJY6DHydSYxHe8JufjsrVnn
I have always found that explaining the numbers and facts like you have shown in your post to be a fruitless enterprise, very much akin to trying to explain to people that black hair has no bearing on the quality of meat.
Always brings to mind the saying 'It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled'
 
Here's some implanted beef facts. Some of these are slides I took pics of.



y4m435eBCoXMEbhWExoV-n5VjomxyeuWP05ZT9_C6rbADjyP3S-eNC9WkzF7nLyj8hflGNsPpxbkB4tbA2OHk_HuvjEJQK1PhGJqoRaK81541hzUjXMxz1V0PhkqnRlthvluRatwN3aYoii8tVi_ujMofzOvNw39G8Fs7LMf-hEIGTrJOxMwqf2E3lsezje9wKA


y4mGeljpPtxXNpP7cz0BdkCftLR-E-tUQVgtbUOKSXWloFkmY6p6_bsmfxC8lW1EpsO4jsuSzAWkziTOZUZSY4eiZ6Bv_NsjjIUxJYtbor4eGlRo-6phVSCULfQjdOPWpjF9z-8joIt3_3QzVZf_iQ8C0OvSVh6LUat0JL-oAPAESWaKCtpo36hlwAS50G7UX-i


y4mTCVSmtryr7rRtIkxRpcvZ_5FJ5tfeb2O0265Z4nVBAyqL8DK70VEyXQbIhQlLq9FWc68k-tKgoU0fq9GNRQzHFyLCzm6_3uSayKW8kAOIeoKFpFimMLndbxEDexh0ZHnI25LaEvjqwrV7OJ-qz2dsL0LnSp1bg6lh_MrEf3EeHz_NmktRQRnmZ1GRuNHhTBA


This last visual is from an ag scientist. She uses this to provide a realistic view of relative hormone levels in various products. Furthermore, most post-menopausal women will tell you they must avoid soy products due to the amount of estrogen in them.

y4mOSOnvRmHhsloyNTcy1SkfeBEfJTMGx9aIMpCUSUNunQTPTFEMiVVNH_DAMzAqCY0bWNP9iuAR0jxIytJLR3-L0psx7TiwUBjP8Lqb6om0Tp8mvU10ks9LeIKRsSGbqfY7J9vwci2iwbF7v7KnzaSXdfp32bAIiIEAVvft0SGEQJY6DHydSYxHe8JufjsrVnn
I had a girlfriend that believed that the reason her daughter had bigger breast than her was because of the implants used in cattle. I guess this bust that theory.
 
I had a girlfriend that believed that the reason her daughter had bigger breast than her was because of the implants used in cattle. I guess this bust that theory.

Yes, actually the reason kids are maturing earlier is the same reason heifers mature earlier - better nutrition. I have a few sister in laws that think all of their problems are due to cattle.
 
I have always found that explaining the numbers and facts like you have shown in your post to be a fruitless enterprise, very much akin to trying to explain to people that black hair has no bearing on the quality of meat.
Always brings to mind the saying 'It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled'

I can appreciate your comment for most people who are sold out on what they believe. My focus is to convince the ones who are not sold out on their opinions. And most of these people I build trusted relationships with first. Then address it when they bring it up.
 

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