When it comes to growth implants in cattle, animal scientist Robbi Pritchard only worries about three things: getting enough premium if you’re not use them, using them wrong and using them with too little insight.
The cattle industry needs to make some bold, creative changes to ensure its viability. That was the wakeup call from speakers at the Feeding Quality Forum, Aug. 27 to 28 in Amarillo, Texas. Persistent problems may require new approaches.
Well, I’m going to take this story down a little different trail; but not that familiar route which is associated with cutting costs on the farm or ranch. Rather, I’m going to discuss tightening the genetic belt!
Maximizing quality and efficiency calls for different implanting strategies on steers versus heifers. A Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) seven-year study characterized the effect of trenbolone acetate (TBA) growth implants on both sexes.
“I always thought the marbling went in at the end, and the further you get the implant away from harvest, the better effect on grade,” Robbi Pritchard said. He shred some of the earlier theories about cattle growth curves, fat deposition and the effect of implants.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, we will assume that you are in agreement.OK