If you’re not selling calves into the natural or organic market, you might want to consider implanting suckling calves. Calves will likely gain 3% to 5% more weight and generate a $15-$20 return on every dollar you invest in the implant, says Janna Kincheloe, North Dakota State University Extension Service’s area livestock systems specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center.

Implants are small pellets applied to the middle third of the back of the ear. They contain naturally occurring or synthetic hormones that increase the efficiency of feed use and stimulate muscle growth.

WHERE TO IMPLANT: Place the implant pellet between the skin and cartilage in the middle third of the back of the ear. (Graphic: NDSU Extension Service)

Implants first were approved for use in the 1950s. “All growth-promoting implants are approved and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and have been shown to be safe for livestock and also for humans consuming meat from animals that have received implants,” Kincheloe says. They are not intended for use in all natural or organic cattle.

Implants for nursing calves can be applied at branding or later in the summer. Most implant products are designed for a certain sex and age. None of the available products are to be used in cattle less than 30 to 45 days old.

The estimated effective period for most of the nursing calf implants is about 120 days, which could mean that implants are utilized completely several months prior to weaning. Re-implanting prior to weaning may or may not be cost-effective, depending on the type of implant used and the potential to offset application costs through moderate additional gains. Typically, only one implant is recommended, depending on the age of calves and the marketing date, Kincheloe says.

When they won’t work
Implants will not increase weight gain if nutrition is inadequate, Kincheloe says. A cow’s milk production and access to high-quality forage have to be good. If facilities are available, you can also creep feed to calves to increase implant response.

Implants are not intended for use in bull calves that will be used for breeding due to potential negative impacts on reproductive performance.

Research indicates that heifers may be implanted once between 45 days and 90 days of age to improve weaning weight with minimal impacts on reproduction.

Using a moderate-strength product designed for suckling heifers is important to minimize losses in future reproductive performance, according to Kincheloe.

How to place
“Proper handling and placement of implants is extremely important to get an optimal response,” says Lisa Pederson, NDSU Extension’s beef quality specialist. “This is not a job that should be handed off to the least experienced person on the branding crew.”

Follow these steps:

• Restrain the calf properly to make sure the implant is applied correctly and reduce the risk of injury to animals and people.

• Make sure ears are free of dirt and manure, and disinfect them, if possible, before applying the implant.

• Use the appropriate implant gun for the type of implant being used.

• Make sure the needle is sharp and tightly secured to the implant gun.

• Clean the needle with a disinfectant between animals.

• Place the implant between the skin and cartilage in the middle third of the back side of the ear. Withdraw the implant gun as the implant is applied to make space for the pellets.

• Do not place the implant into the cartilage because it will not be absorbed. Applicators should be able to see and feel the implant if it has been placed correctly.

For more information about implants, contact your county office of the NDSU Extension Service or your veterinarian.

Source: NDSU Extension Communications