IMPLANTS - A VALUABLE TOOL FOR THE CATTLE-FEEDING INDUSTRY

Implants that contain the hormone trenbolone acetate and estrogen enha nce the rate and efficiency of gain feedlot steers by as much as 30% a nd 17%, respectively. Participation in the programmatic administration of implants by the consultant increases the probability of producers achieving their objectives, which may include maximizing average daily gain, maximizing quality grade, or improving performance moderately w ith modest impact on quality grade. Commercially available anabolic im pacts vary in hormone content and release patterns. An understanding o f the mechanism of action of trenbolone acetate and the indirect syner gistic mechanism of estrogen provides a foundation for a prudent impla nt program. Implants improve performance only to the degree that impla nting technique allows. Improper sanitation contributing to abscess fo rmation is the most frequent finding in quality-assurance inspections of implanting technique. Consultant can play a key role in assisting m anagement in planning implant programs and in training crews in proper implanting technique.