By Andi Anderson
Profitability remains a key goal for beef cattle producers, regardless of the size of their operation. While many factors influence farm income, some management practices have consistently proven their value over time. One such practice is the use of growth promoting implants, a well-researched tool that helps improve cattle performance and financial returns.
Growth promoting implants are small hormone-containing pellets placed under the skin on the back of a calf’s ear. The procedure takes only a few seconds while the animal is restrained in a chute. Once administered, the implant helps increase average daily weight gain over a specific period, depending on the product used.
Despite decades of research supporting their effectiveness, adoption among beef producers remains relatively low. Surveys conducted among cattle producers in Kentucky and the Mid-South found that only about 20% of respondents reported using growth-promoting implants. Producers who used them considered the practice cost-effective and beneficial, while those who did not often cited concerns about labor, time, or other unspecified reasons.
However, participation rates were much higher among producers involved in the Advanced Post-weaning Value Added Program (PVAP). More than 70% of surveyed participants reported implanting their steers. The program uses production and economic data to help producers make informed management and marketing decisions.
Growth promoting implants have been used in the cattle industry since 1957 and remain one of the most extensively studied technologies in beef production. For cow-calf operations, low-potency implants such as Ralgro can significantly improve weaning weights. Research has shown that implanted suckling calves can gain an average of 23 additional pounds by weaning compared to non-implanted calves.
The economic benefits can be substantial. Even after considering the cost of the implant and administration expenses, producers can achieve notable increases in calf value due to heavier market weights. Depending on market prices, the additional revenue generated can far exceed the investment required for treatment.
Some producers avoid implant use because of concerns about marketing opportunities. However, unless cattle are sold through verified non-hormone-treated cattle (NHTC) programs that offer premiums exceeding the value of the added weight gain, producers may miss an opportunity to increase returns.
Growth promoting implants are widely accepted throughout the beef industry. More than 90% of cattle in U.S. feedlots receive at least one implant during the feeding period. As a result, many industry experts view implants as one of the simplest and most reliable tools available for improving cattle performance and enhancing profitability in beef production systems.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sstajic
Categories: Ohio, Livestock