Hormone implants are one of the most researched and cost-effective tools available to beef producers, yet uncertainty and misconceptions often keep them from being used.
In a recent webinar hosted by the Beef Cattle Research Council, industry experts discussed the use and benefits of hormone implants on Canadian cow-calf operations.
Dr. Lauren Younker with Telus Agriculture explained the hormone implants are small pellets that are placed under the skin in the ear of the animal.
"What it's doing is essentially helping your calves use the nutrients that they're consuming out on pasture to turn into more lean growth and more pounds for you as a producer whenever you're planning on selling your calves." Younker said.
Betty Green, a Manitoba beef cattle producer and owner of G7 Ranch, shared some unexpected benefits since introducing implants to her beef operation’s routine management practices.
"The results that they found were pretty clear: 3 to 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 5 to 11% reduction in land use, 5 to 11% reduction in the use of water, and 3 to 8% reduction in ammonia emissions.” Green said.
Should a producer be interested in using hormone implants for cattle, Dr. Younker advises talking to a veterinarian first.
"I would only buy what I need for the year. There are expiry dates listed on your implants. You want to match your implant program to your intended marketing plan." she said.
For more information on hormone implants or to watch the full BCRC webinar recording, visit www.BeefResearch.ca/implants.
