Delay implant strategy in calf-fed Holstein steers: Growth performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract

The influence of live weight (LW) at first implanting on growth performance and carcass characteristics was evaluated in calf-fed Holstein fed a steam-flaked corn-based diet. Treatments were: (1) control (not implanted); (2) first implanted at 267 kg LW; (3) first implanted at 291 kg LW, and (4) first implanted at 321 kg LW. All implanted cattle were re-implanted on d-112 of trial. Both the initial and final implants contained 120 mg of trenbolone acetate and 24 mg of oestradiol. Compared with non-implanted controls, implanting increased (P