Profit Tips: Cow-calf management - Implants in nursing calves

As ranchers think about vaccination programs they’ll use at branding, University of Nebraska cow-calf and range-management specialist Karla Jenkins, PhD, says only a few consider how growth implants could be used as a management tool for the nursing calf.

Implants have been proven to improve gains by 4 to 5 percent, according to research from Oklahoma State University. This could translate to an additional 18 to 20 pounds of weaning weight. Put another way, it means every $1 spent on implants will result in approximately a $15 to $20 return for producers selling calves at weaning, Jenkins says. Implants can be quickly administered at branding along with calfhood vaccinations. Jenkins offers these answers to some common questions about implants for nursing calves:

Will implanting nursing calves negatively impact finishing performance?

The best way to realize the benefits of an implantation strategy is to read and follow label instructions and recommended guidelines. Implant strategies should always start with the least aggressive implants for nursing calves, followed by the most aggressive implants during the finishing phase.

There are many growth-promoting implants available, some for nursing calves, some for stocker cattle and others for finishing cattle. Studies have shown calves implanted from nursing through finishing did not experience poorer performance than calves implanted only during the finishing phase.

Which calves should I implant?

None of the implants approved for nursing calves are approved for calves less than 30 to 45 days of age. One implant between 2 months of age and weaning has been shown to have little impact on future productive performance of heifers. However, little benefit has been shown as well. Therefore, any heifers identified for replacements prior to branding should not be implanted. Bull calves should not be implanted, as it can negatively impact reproductive development.

Cattle being implanted must also be consuming a high-quality diet to maximize the effect of the implant. Therefore, weaned cattle that will be fed low-quality forage through the winter will not benefit from implants as much as cattle on a higher level of nutrition. Calves destined for a natural or organic market should not be implanted.

How do I get the best return for my implant dollar?

Proper placement and handling of the implant is imperative for the correct payout to occur. Implants should be placed in the middle third of the ear between the skin and the cartilage, making sure to avoid hitting the blood vessels in the ear. The needle should be disinfected after each use to prevent abscesses which will reduce the implant response. If the ear has dirt or fecal matter it should be wiped clean prior to implant insertion. For best results, avoid crushing or bunching the implant pellets in the ear and make sure the implant is placed in the ear before pulling the needle out so part of the implant is not lost.

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