It’s well documented that implanting cattle is an effective way to improve gain and efficiency.¹ A new study has revealed how a long-duration implant can take gains further than conventional implants, enhancing marketing flexibility and labor efficiency along the way.           

In the study, 518 steers grazed on nonirrigated native range in west central California. A control group did not receive implants, and two other groups received either a conventional-duration implant or a long-duration implant, SYNOVEX^® ONE GRASS. After 192 days of grazing, cattle on SYNOVEX ONE GRASS gained 11 pounds more on average than the group receiving a conventional-duration implant and 62 pounds more on average than nonimplanted cattle.²

The long-duration implant group also had the highest average daily gain (ADG) — 1.83 pounds ADG compared with the nonimplanted cattle at 1.5 ADG and the conventional-duration implant cattle at 1.78 ADG.²

“With nearly twice the duration of conventional implants, this ultimately helps extend your grazing window and provides more marketing flexibility,” said Dr. Bryan Bernhard, Strategic Technical Services nutritionist with Zoetis.

Producers hoping to use the information in this study to maximize their own circumstances should start by considering the available forage, Bernhard said. If the conditions are right, the benefits are clear.

“Each stocker operation has their own unique forage source they use through grazing seasons. If you will have cattle grazing more than 140 days, then a long-duration implant can help improve gains,” Bernhard said.

This latest research, conducted from October 2018 to April 2019, aligns with previous studies demonstrating the long-term gains shown by cattle implanted with SYNOVEX ONE GRASS. A study conducted in Oklahoma on steers receiving SYNOVEX ONE GRASS implants resulted in a 20-pound advantage per head compared with cattle receiving competitive implants.³ In that study, cattle implanted with SYNOVEX ONE GRASS gained 2.22 pounds per day, compared with cattle implanted with competitive implants that gained 2.11 pounds per day.³

SYNOVEX ONE GRASS is the only extended duration implant containing trenbolone acetate and estradiol benzoate labeled for both steers and heifers on grass. This means producers can use one implant and one applicator for all their cattle —providing labor efficiency and operational flexibility.

“We know beef producers are continuously looking for technologies and information that will build their business,” Bernhard said. “The research we have done demonstrates that implanting with long-duration implants in the right forage situation can pay dividends.”

It is important to ensure cattle health and nutrition are a priority when implementing an implant program. Bernhard encourages cattle producers to work with a veterinarian or nutritionist to optimize weight gains and feed efficiency. If a producer isn’t already working with a veterinarian or nutritionist, it is important to have a third party objectively look at the situation to find opportunities for improvement. For more information and resources about the appropriate implant program for your operation, visit GrowWithSYNOVEX.com.

Do not use SYNOVEX products in veal calves. Refer to label for complete directions for use, precautions, and warnings.

References:                      

¹ Kuhl GL. Stocker cattle responses to implants, in Proceedings. Oklahoma State University Symposium: Impact of Implants on Performance and Carcass Value of Beef Cattle 1997;51-62.   

² Data on file, Study Report 18CPTIMP-01-01, Zoetis Inc.

³ Data on file, Study Report No. 16CARGFA01, Zoetis Inc.

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