Cattle Growth Implants

Beginning July 1, cattle producers should not use a growth implant in a reimplantation program unless the labeling on that product explicitly says it is approved for reimplantation use within a given production phase.

There are currently three beef production phases under the FDA guidance, with one or more cattle ear implant products approved for use in each phase. The FDA considers each phase, also known as a "variant," as a distinct period.

-- PRODUCTION PHASE (VARIANT) 1. This phase is described as applying to beef calves 2 months of age and older. There are cattle ear implants approved for use in this phase, but no reimplantation products.

-- PRODUCTION PHASE (VARIANT) 2. This phase is described as applying to growing beef steers and heifers (not intended for reproductive purposes) on pasture. These animals are weaned and may be beef and dairy breeds. They are receiving the majority of their diets from grazing. There are cattle ear implants approved for use in this phase, but no reimplantation products.

-- PRODUCTION PHASE (VARIANT) 3. This last phase is described as applying to growing beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter (not intended for reproductive purposes). These are beef and dairy breeds confined in group pens and fed a progressively high-energy diet as their sole ration until slaughter. May be referred to as feedyard or feedlot cattle, or beef steers and heifers in a grow yard. There are multiple reimplantation products approved for use in this phase.

The FDA notes on its website that at this time, it continues to work with sponsors updating their labels and that all products may not be updated by the July 1 deadline. The FDA is allowing new animal drug sponsors a period of time to deplete existing inventory that may have older labeling.

But the agency stresses that "unless a product explicitly is approved for use in a reimplantation program (and all implants approved for reimplantation currently have those statements on the labeling), they are not to be reimplanted. FDA will publish a website listing all cattle ear implants, their approved conditions of use, and labeling status on or around July 1, 2023."

A.J. Tarpoff, a beef Extension veterinarian at Kansas State University, explained that if the implant a producer has previously been using is specifically labeled for reimplant during a production phase, the producer may continue to do this.

"However, going forward, only products specifically labeled for reimplant during a production phase can be used as such," he said. "An updated list from the FDA will become available between now and then (July 1) on all updated labels, and if the implant you have been previously using specifically is labeled for reimplantation during a phase, you can continue to do so."

Moving forward, only product specifically labeled for reimplantation during a production phase can be used as such. So, read labels and contact your local veterinarian if you have any question pertaining to use and purchasing decisions.

Until the FDA website is up, go here for information regarding growth implants: https://www.fda.gov/….

NEW ANTIBIOTIC RULES STARTED IN JUNE

Tarpoff also reminded producers that new rules applying to antibiotics went into effect earlier this month. As a result, some medically important products previously available without a prescription likely now require one.

"In order to continue using and purchasing those products, producers and livestock owners will need to have a valid Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) ... and actually have a prescription ...," he explained. "To make sure you're not caught off guard, visit with your local veterinarian to see how this might impact you and your operation."

Kansas State Research and Extension have a video to help answer questions about implants, as well as new regulations regarding use of antibiotics for cattle. That video can be found here: https://youtu.be/….

Editor's note: For an archived article about the changes in antibiotic use, go here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Victoria Myers can be reached at vicki.myers@dtn.com

Follow her on Twitter @myersPF

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