Ask the Vet

Dr. Ken McMillan, Contributor

READER: We are thinking about starting to implant our calves. There are so many options, and everyone has an opinion. I get confused. Is this something we should be doing? Do you have any advice?

DR. McMILLAN: I agree. There is tremendous confusion over growth implants, and there is a lot of conflicting information out there. The use of implants has greatly decreased over the last 30 years, from 64.3% of lots of beef calves sold through a video livestock auction service in 1995 to 26.5% in 2009. Less than 10% of all calves from herds with fewer than 50 cattle receive implants. People do not use what they do not understand, but in my opinion, producers need to do their research and become comfortable with the benefits of implants.

Implants have been called the closest thing to a free lunch in the cattle business. Those approved for use in suckling calves have been reported to improve weaning weights 3 to 5%. Similar performance improvements can be seen in pastured stocker cattle. Other reports have said implants increase gains by 0.1 pound per day, while a 2024 Penn State Extension report stated that most implant strategies return $50 to $100 per animal on average. These are just different ways to say implants work and improve profitability.

But, let's look at this from a different perspective. Implanted cattle have been reported to require 10% less land, water and feed, and reduce the carbon footprint by 6%. In this eco-friendly world, that means implants increase sustainability and are good for the environment.

Are there any reasons not to implant cattle? All-natural or organic programs typically do not allow implants. Bull calves to be retained for breeding should never be implanted. Calves can't be implanted before 30 days of age with any implant and not before 45 days for others.

Studies have shown that heifer calves implanted once between 2 months and weaning had minimal effects on pregnancy rates, minimal being 3%. My Alabama math says that's 3 fewer calves per 100 cows. More research needs to be done in this area, and I am not a fan of implanting heifers that have been identified as replacements. Additionally, for implants to be effective, calves must be on a high-quality diet.

So, do your homework. Talk with your veterinarian, Extension agent or other producers who use implants. See if implants are right for you and your cattle. There is a good chance they will have some place in your operation.

READER: You've talked about BVD in prior columns. What do we need to do to prevent it in our herd?

DR. McMILLAN: BVD (bovine viral diarrhea) is a very confusing and misunderstood disease. Most people do not have a complete understanding of it. In fact, I am pretty sure I don't. I am still learning, as is everyone involved with this disease.

You and your veterinarian need to create a comprehensive herd-health program. Vaccinations and BVD protection must be a part of that. Many vaccines are labeled to provide fetal protection, which means if the cow is transiently infected with BVD virus, the developing calf will be protected.

A good biosecurity program is always essential to prevent exposure of the herd to disease. Purchase cattle only from well-known, managed herds. Quarantine any incoming calves, cattle or bulls for at least three to four weeks before introducing them into the herd. Fenceline management can be important if neighbor herds are not well-managed.

Good nutrition, including good mineral nutrition, is essential to having a healthy and disease-resistant herd. Minimize stress anytime cattle are handled. Good working facilities are not a cost but an investment that pay for themselves many times over.

Testing can be very helpful in finding and removing any PIs (persistently infected) from the herd. Since a PI cow will always have a PI calf, testing all calves, bulls and any cows that did not calve at the end of calving season is an effective herd-screening method. A tissue sample in a special solution is required and can be obtained by ear notching or a special gun that collects the sample into a small prenumbered tube.

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-- Please contact your veterinarian with questions pertaining to the health of your herd. Every operation is unique, and the information in this column does not pertain to all situations. This is not intended as medical advice but is purely for informational purposes.

-- These are only my thoughts and general guidelines. Please get with your veterinarian and together develop the best program for your herd.

-- Email Dr. Ken McMillan at vet@dtn.com

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