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Implant profit
Routine checks and proper administration matter
Devon Jones, TFC Animal Health Product Manager |
2/17/2021 |
It’s nearly impossible to get the most out of an implant if it isn’t administered correctly. The small implant pellets contain a growth stimulant that is slowly released over time to increase daily gain and feed efficiency.
Officials from Zoetis — the maker of the Synovex® line of implants — offer insight and tips to avoid improper implant administration and the loss of pounds and dollars.
When factoring in labor costs and lost gain potential, feedlots can say goodbye to approximately $100 per head for every incorrectly administered implant. That’s why it’s important to conduct routine implant checks and subsequent training. Remember: employees may know the purchase price of an implant, but they may not know that incorrect administration could equal at least an $11 loss per head with a 10 percent error rate, which can add up to a $10,000 loss per 1,000 head on feed.
Implant checks can be conducted 30 to 60 days after administration. If a random check isn’t feasible, it can be done when cattle are reworked. Either way, the opportunity to assess performance and learn from previous administration techniques that worked — or didn’t work — is valuable.
When doing an implant check, feel the implant site and ask these important questions:
Location — Is the implant in the middle third or “top shelf” of the ear? Is the implant a finger’s width away from any ear tags or holes? Is the pellet under the skin and clear of the ear cartilage?
Orientation — Are the pellets lined up in a straight line, or are they bunched up or crushed?
Defects — Are abscesses present or is the implant walled-off so the pellet can’t be effective?
Inattention to detail and moving too quickly often influence the quality of implant administration. If issues occur, small adjustments in technique and environment can optimize implant success, which means more dollars.
A few implant administration reminders:
• Sanitation — A clean ear, needle, and environment are extremely important. Each dirty or wet ear should be cleaned prior to implanting. Dirt and debris should be brushed off the ear in one consistent direction to avoid driving dirt further into the ear. Disinfecting solutions and sponges should be changed regularly as well to avoid contamination. Always wear rubber gloves to prevent any additional dirt from entering the implant site.
• Cattle handling — Low-stress cattle handling during implanting is important. Properly restrain animals and use Beef Quality Assurance best practices to help keep animals quiet and reduce unexpected movements.
• Employee training — Because labor can turn over quickly, doing routine implant checks provide an opportunity for real-time evaluation and additional training opportunities. Training on specific implanting equipment, such as the SX10 Precision Applicator for SYNOVEX implants, can help improve success and effectiveness.
Additionally, your Co-op and Zoetis sales representatives can be a resource for conducting implant checks and training through the Implant Quality (IQ) program. From setting goals to developing a quality assurance program, training on proper techniques, and monitoring results, the Zoetis Field Force supports producers to help get the most out of their implant investment.
“We’re here to help producers get each implant administered correctly so they can realize more gain,” said Dr. Douglas Hilbig, beef technical services veterinarian with Zoetis. “Conducting implant checks often provide a learning opportunity for employees and can help protect the investment and profit potential implants provide.”
In addition to the IQ program, Zoetis offers SYNOVEX ONE GRASS and SYNOVEX ONE FEEDLOT, which provide up to 200 days of uninterrupted performance. This extended duration helps reduce the risk of losses due to abscesses and ruptures by eliminating the need to re-implant.
Learn more about reducing stress over implanting and find proper administration resources, including helpful how-to videos, at NoStressSYNOVEX.com.
For more information, visit https://www.zoetisus.com or contact the folks at your local Co-op.
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