Implant Strategies for Different Cattle Groups

Implant effects on growth are typically well understood, while behavioral (ie, riding) carcass-quality (ie, marbling or reduction in dairy-type muscling) are more variable. A newer challenge related to implant use is recent Food and Drug Administration guidance placing greater restrictions on allowable reimplanting protocols. If approved for a reimplant program, a maximum of 2 implants can be used during finishing. This article will discuss the use of this technology with special emphasis placed on items that should be considered when developing an effective implant strategy for all classes of cattle across all production phases.