– Dr. Katie VanValin, Assistant Extension Professor, University of Kentucky
Implanted suckling calves often have weaning weights 10-20+ lbs higher. Photo: Mitzi Goodman.
Growth promoting technologies, when used correctly, are valuable tools that improve efficiency and increase weight gain in growing cattle. In the cow-calf sector, these include ionophores and implants. Although “technology” often implies new, these tools have been in the beef industry for decades. Yet, adoption seems to be stagnant or even declining – why?
Ionophores
Ionophores are antimicrobial feed additives, including monensin (RumensinⓇ), lasolicid (BovatecⓇ), and laidomycin propionate (CATTLYSTⓇ). While ionophores are antibiotic-like, they are not considered medically important for humans, so they do not require a veterinary feed directive (VFD) meaning ionophores do not fall under the veterinary feed directive (VFD) and can be purchased without a prescription. However, as they are classified as a medication, they must be bought premixed from a feed dealer.
The rumen hosts a multitude of microorganisms that digest feed and produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which the animal uses for energy. Acetate is the most common VFA, but propionate is more energetically efficient. Feeding ionophores shifts production towards propionate, leading to increased average daily gains, improved feed efficiency, and reduced methane production! Ionophores also help prevent bloat, acidosis, and coccidiosis! It is no surprise that ~90% of cattle on feed in the United States consume ionophores.
While ionophores are typically used for growing cattle, they can benefit replacement heifers and cows by decreasing the age of puberty, and shortening the post-partum interval, thus benefiting reproductive performance.
Ionophores can be mixed into feed, and there are also some pre-mixed products like free-choice minerals and tubs. Always read and follow all label directions, as toxicity can occur when feeding at high levels. Horses are particularly sensitive to ionophores, so avoid accidental feeding.
Implants
Implants are small pellets containing hormones, that are inserted into the back of the ear. Over time the implant is absorbed and utilized to increase the secretion of growth hormone, promote protein synthesis, and decrease protein degradation, resulting in increased average daily gain. Implants have been around for decades and are arguably one of the most consistent practices we have in all of agriculture. Suckling calves implanted at around 90 days old often have weaning weights 10-20+ lbs higher compared to nonimplanted calves.
However, a recent survey of Kentucky beef producers noted that only 21% implant their calves. This means potential revenue is left on the table. My rule of thumb is that unless we receive a premium that covers the money we are leaving on the table, we should absolutely be implanting calves.
Implanting is quick, taking less than 1 minute. With calves at $2.70/lb. and an added 20 lbs. from implanting, a 500 lb. calf is worth$1,350 vs. a 520 lb. calf $1,404. The cost of calf-hood implants is less than $2.00 per head. For a 30 head heard, an extra half hour of work yields an additional $1,600.
Implanting suckling steer calves can also lead to similar gains as an intact bull calf, allowing for early castration without growth and avoiding discounts from the sale of bulls. Research shows that early castration is less stressful vs. castration at or after weaning. Implants are an effective strategy to capture growth, but also reduce stress on the animal.
For heifers, timing is key. Some research shows that implants negatively impact fertility, depending on when they are administered. The general recommendation is not to implant replacement heifers; however, heifers marketed as feeders can and do benefit from implants.
Be mindful of the implants pay our period- or the time it is effective. To get the full benefit be sure that implants are administered far enough in advance to capture the full pay our period. For example, is an implant has a payout period of 100 days, implant at least 100 days prior to marketing.
If ionophores and implants are not part of your management, consider how they could benefit your operation. If you are not using ionophores or implants as part of your management strategy. Regardless of market conditions, these technologies are safe, proven, and effective ways to increase revenue in the cow-calf sector. For questions on ionophores or implants, reach out to your local extension office.