Timing of Implant Use in the Backgrounding System

Authors

Kelton C. Adair, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kylie M. Butterfield, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Zach E. Carlson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Braden C. Troyer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jiehua Xiong, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Mitchell M. Norman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
James C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
M. E. Drewnoski, University of Nebraska, LincolnFollow
Brandon L. Nuttelman, Merck Animal Health

Date of this Version

2023

Citation

2023 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

UNL Beef, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

A two-year study utilized 240 weaned steers each year in a 3-phase yearling production system: winter backgrounding, summer grazing, and finishing. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of winter rate of gain (LOW or HIGH) and implant strategy during the winter backgrounding and summer grazing periods on compensatory gain, animal performance, and carcass characteristics. Calves received 1 of 3 implant strategies: NONE, SINGLE (Revalor-G during summer grazing), and MULTIPLE (Ralgro during winter backgrounding and Revalor-G during summer grazing). All cattle received a Revalor-XS during the finishing phase. Implant strategy and rate of gain during the winter backgrounding phase had additive effects to increase animal performance through all phases. When cattle were backgrounded at a LOW rate of gain, an additional 28 lb of hot carcass weight was attributed to Revalor-G. When cattle were backgrounded at a high rate of gain, an additional 32 lb of hot carcass weight was attributed to Ralgro. Combining the MULTIPLE implant strategy and HIGH rate of gain during winter backgrounding resulted in 7 lb of additional hot carcass weight.