Cow-calf producers should consider implanting suckling calves as part of their summer processing event. Early July for spring-calving herds works well or when calves are about three months old. This offers a great time to evaluate any health concerns, deworm calves, and most importantly, add an implant. This should be done 90-100 days prior to weaning if possible to take full advantage of the implant and simplify re-implanting during weaning vaccinations.
Implant options for 150-400-lb. calves are limited. Low-proficiency implants such as Ralgro and Synovex C are the best alternatives for both steer and non-replacement heifer calves. Ralgo has been off the market for over a year and is not scheduled to be available until October 2018 or later. This leaves Synovex C as the best choice for calf implanting this summer.
The Synovex gun has a larger needle but can be properly used on claves. According to Dr. Robbi Pritchard, distinguished professor of animal science at South Dakota State University, higher-potency implants should be avoided until the calves are 7 months of age and gaining 2.4 lbs. per day.
Prepare by sorting the calves from the cows for easier and safer handling. Set handling facilities and head gates to properly restrain the smaller calves. Set up a paint tray with a sponge soaked in alcohol or iodine to place the implant gun on and clean the needle on the sponge between implants. Be sure ears are clean at the implant site. These steps will reduce ear infections and implant abscess to nearly zero. Implants should be administered under the skin in the middle third of ear and away from ear tags as shown in the diagram above.
Research suggests that properly implanted calves can gain an additional 4-6 percent prior to weaning. Consider deworming or treating calves for flies with pour-on or fly tags at the same time. Adding deworming and fly control can get weaning weights up 30 or more lbs./calf.
Economics for implants offer one of the highest possible returns on investment, second only to products that reduce morbidity and prevent death. Growth response is about 20 percent greater in heifers than steers, so implanting non-replacement heifers is very beneficial.
Summer processing may also be a good time to start your calf vaccination program. Contact your local veterinarian or Extension specialist to go over health protocols for your beef operation. — Kevin Gould and Kable Thurlow, Michigan State University Extension
