JMJ Farms":101uppdj said:
Son of Butch":101uppdj said:
Dave":101uppdj said:
The product information on Ralgro says that replacement heifers should be implanted between 1 and 7 months.
I take that to mean that it doesn't have a lasting effect but you wouldn't want to be using near breeding age.
My Vet agrees with your statement.
But I still won't implant replacement heifers and or steers for family and friends for table beef.
I don't understand this statement. Either you think implants are safe. Or you are completely against them. But this statement implies that you think it's ok to implant calves for other folks table, as long as you, your family, or your friends aren't eating them.
Implants are safe and a no doubt about it money maker.
My vet recommends implanting replacement heifers under 500 lbs with ral-gro.
My replacement heifer growth is on track and I don't feel they will benefit from added weight and potential udder fat deposits
or any outside chance of reproduction problems or prolapses.
Implants are great for added efficient lean red meat production, they're safe with an excellent return on investment.
However they will lower tenderness, marbling and carcass quality a notch ie from high choice to choice.
I sell on the hoof, not grade and yield, no bonus for high choice vs choice, so have to make it up with efficient added pounds.
For family and friends it's about taste, tenderness and quality, all about shooting for prime and not about any health issue concern.
(That's why I've got a few Wagyu crosses, table beef for friends and family, not marketing it to others.)
So, yes you can think they are safe and still not use them in all instances without being completely against them.
Hope this clears up any misunderstanding my statement may have caused.