The Effect of Delaying Initial Feedlot Implant on Body Weight, Average Daily Gain, and Carcass Characteristics of Calf-Fed Steers

Authors

W. Griffin, University of Nebraska, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte
D. C. Adams, University of Nebraska, West Central Research and Extension Center, North PlatteFollow
R. N. Funston, University of Nebraska, West Central Research and Extension Center, North PlatteFollow

Date of this Version

2009

Citation

The Professional Animal Scientist 25 ( 2009 ):145–149

Comments

Copyright 2009 American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of delaying initial feedlot implant on BW, ADG, and carcass characteristics. At receiving, steers were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) implant at feedlot entry (NORM) or 2) implant 30 d after feedlot entry (DELAY). In Exp. 1, steers (n = 200) were not implanted until feedlot entry; however, in Exp. 2 steers (n = 209) were implanted at approximately 50 d of age. In Exp. 1, there was a tendency (P = 0.11) for BW at d 30 to be heavier (10 kg) for NORM compared with DELAY; however, all other BW measures were similar (P = 0.29). In Exp. 2, BW measures were also similar (P = 0.82) for NORM and DELAY. In both experiments, carcass weight, fat thickness, LM area, and YG were similar (P = 0.51). Additionally, in both experiments marbling scores (P = 0.58) and the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice and greater were similar (P = 0.54) when comparing NORM and DELAY. In these studies, delaying initial feedlot implant had no effect on BW, ADG, or carcass measures including YG and QG.