Finding the Right Implant Match
Analyze forage availability, plan for backup options when nutrients are lacking
All implants are not created equal. When forage is sparse and lacks nutritional quality as it does in many areas of the southern Plains this year, it’s especially important to make certain cattle implants match available nutrition.
According to Dr. Blaine Corners, managing nutritionist with Zoetis beef strategic technical services, gains appear to be worth a good return this year. With expenses on the rise, he says cattlemen should maximize that opportunity.
“The secret with managing an implant program in these conditions is if you know pastures are going dry and you’re ready to turn cattle in, then you have to analyze and implant the cattle to match what you think the available nutrition will be,” Corners explains.
How can you match an implant to available nutrients?
In situations where cattle are bunk fed, stocker operators typically know the percent protein and number of megacalories of energy they’re working with to achieve the desired number of pounds that will be delivered.
However, when forage enters the equation, it’s time for backgrounders to do a different kind of math.
“When we start looking at forage, the best thing to do is just be aware of what kind of forage you have,” Corners says.
For example, straight fescue pasture will provide different forage opportunities than Bermudagrass, with peak nutrition occurring at different times of the year for each species.
Nutrients drive growth response, so knowing how the animal puts those to use is key to stocker operators getting the most out of an implant.
“The biggest bang for the buck is getting the health of calves straightened out,” Corners says. “When cattle are turned out on grass, if they’re healthy and not diverting nutrients toward managing illness, then we know it’s not going to be a drain on the growth of that animal. This way you know the nutrients and implant aren't being utilized on illness and a drain on the animal's growth.”
What implant is right for your operation?
Low-level implants such as Synovex® C can help stimulate growth in nursing calves and yield a more marketable weight when an animal gets to market, Corners says.
However, when it comes to implanting cattle that will be grazed or fed in the 150-to-200-day range, choosing a product that includes trenbolone acetate can help deliver more pounds.
“Synovex One Grower contains trenbolone acetate, which actually decreases maintenance energy requirements of the animal and doesn’t require as many calories to keep the cattle gaining,” Corners explains.
While a good forage management plan begins years before it’s fully used, having a realistic view of species availability can help stocker operators put their best foot forward when it comes to making the most of implant use and cattle gain—even when forage availability and nutrition are compromised.
Corners notes that interseeding a legume into a stand of high-quality fescue can help extend forage availability and quality.
“The biggest thing is having a backup plan,” Corners advises. “If there’s some way to get a couple of pounds of feed or decent quality hay to cattle, even when hay prices are high, then you look at the potential cost to gain and what that gain is worth. It can be worth a little supplemental feed to carry those cattle through until marketing.”
Refer to individual labels for complete directions for use, precautions, and warnings. Reimplant only if and as directed in labeling.
GBF-00660
