Benefits of Implant Use in the Cow/Calf and Backgrounding Sectors

Across decades of research, implants consistently improve growth: suckling calves gain roughly 6% to 15% more ADG and wean about 10.4 kg heavier, while backgrounded cattle commonly realize 14% to 16% greater ADG. Administering a single calfhood implant to a replacement heifer within the recommended 1 to 4 month window does not depress fertility; problems arise chiefly with very early, late, or multiple implants. Marketing calves into an all-natural or non-hormone treated cattle program are the main reason to forgo implants; however, market data show no price penalty at auction for implanted lots.