Abstract
Simple SummaryImproving efficiency in beef cattle production requires the adoption of technologies that are low cost but high in return. High potency growth-promoting implants (HGPs) are widely used under feedlot conditions but there are few reports of their use under grazing conditions. We conducted a trial to assess whether the use of high potency HGPs have advantages for grass-finished cattle. Our results were similar to those reported for feedlot cattle, showing that the quality of the pastures was good enough to take advantage of the HGP technology, generating a marginal income that justifies the use of technology under grazing conditions.High potency growth promoter implants (HGPs) are widely used under feedlot conditions but there are few reports under grazing conditions. The study’s goal was to assess the effect of HGPs on the average daily gain of steers fattened in pastures. A total of 57 crossbreed steers (Hereford × Angus)—initial body weight = 356.65 kg ± 5.04 (SEM)—were randomly allocated to one of three groups: Control without HGP (n = 19), Synovex group (n = 17), and Revalor group (n = 21). The fattening period was 67 days using paddocks of Lolium perenne L. and Trifolium repens L. Body weight was recorded three times in the period. The data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance with a level of significance of 5%. The average daily gain (ADG) (1.55 ± 0.07 and 1.48 ± 0.09 kg/d) and the total weight gain (103.4 ± 4.9 and 99.2 ± 5.8 kg) were similar for Revalor and Synovex, respectively (p > 0.05). Moreover, HGP groups showed higher ADG and total weight gain (p < 0.01) than the control group (ADG = 0.93 ± 0.08 kg/d and a total weight gain of 62.2 ± 5.2 kg). Final body weights were 527.8 ± 8.5 kg and 512.2 ± 9.9 kg for Revalor and Synovex, respectively; and 479.9 ± 10.1 kg for Control. In conclusion, grazing-finished steers showed better performance when high potency HGPs were used, improving the ADG and final live body weight, generating a marginal income that justifies the use of the technology under grazing conditions
Highlights
The use of anabolic growth promoter implants (HGPs) in feedlots is a production technology that is considered routine in many parts of the world
Grazing-finished steers showed better performance when high potency High potency growth promoter implants (HGPs) were used, improving the average daily gain (ADG) and final live body weight, generating a marginal income that justifies the use of the technology under grazing conditions
The combination of lower ambient temperature (AT) and presence of moderate but continuous rain events during the first weeks of October resulted in a reduction of 24% the growth rate of the pasture when compared with the monthly average
Summary
The use of anabolic growth promoter implants (HGPs) in feedlots is a production technology that is considered routine in many parts of the world. HGPs improve daily weight gain (ADG) by 15 to 25% and feed efficiency by 10 to 15% when compared to non-implanted cattle [2]. It increases feed intake (6%), carcass weight (5%) and ribeye area [3]. Animals have a heavier carcass weight, while the benefits associated with the efficiency of feeding make a systematic and regular implant program profitable for the producer. In the United States, the use of Animals 2019, 9, 587; doi:10.3390/ani9090587 www.mdpi.com/journal/animals
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