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Implanting For Success

published: May 15th 2009
by: Clyde Lane, Jr.
source: University of Tennessee

Growth stimulating implants offer the commercial cow-calf producer a fast, easy-to-use method of increasing the weaning weight of calves when used properly. Implants have been proven effective through research, as well as through routine use in the beef industry.
Implanting is a relatively easy management practice to perform, however, adequate restrain of the animal is required. If inadequate facilities are available, consideration should be given to purchasing/constructing.
    Implants are placed under the skin on the back of the ear. They exert a positive effect by increasing growth hormone and insulin, resulting in increased formation of muscle tissue and decreased fat. Growth hormone is naturally produced by the pituitary gland and is an important regulator of growth.
    Generally male calves should be implanted when they are castrated. DO NOT implant bull calves that you intend to save for breeding. Implanting bulls can retard the development of the reproductive organs, thus causing them to be
less fertile.
    Implants must be administered properly. The potential benefit of the implant cannot be seen if they are not properly administered. In addition, a calf with an improperly placed implant runs the risk of having residues when slaughtered.

Administer Implants Correctly
1. Properly restrain the animal.
2. Determine which ear you want to implant.
Position the implant instrument so that the
needle can be positioned next to and parallel
to the ear, with the slant side of the needle
facing outward. (Implant all calves in the
same ear to minimize confusion).
3. Select the proper implant site on the back of
the ear.Place the implant
between the skin and cartilage in the middle
third of the ear.
4. Clean the needle and implant site with a
disinfectant to reduce contamination of the
needle wound (Use a paint tray and sponge
to lay the implant gun on).
5. Grasp the ear with one hand while the other
hand positions the instrument parallel to,
and nearly flush with, the ear. Put the point
of the needle against the ear with the
beveled part facing outward.
6. Use the tip of the needle to prick the skin.
Then lift slightly so you can completely
insert the needle under the skin.
7. Depress the plunger of the implant gun and
withdraw the needle.
8. Feel the ear for the implant under the skin to
see that it is inserted properly.

Precautions When Implanting
1. When the ear is grasped and the needle
inserted, the animal may throw its head. This
can be prevented by using a nose lead, halter,
or a headgate equipped with a head and nose
bar.
2 Avoid piercing or cutting ear veins with the
needle.
3 Do not allow the needle to gouge or pierce
through the cartilage. If you feel resistance as
you insert the needle, it is quite probable that
the cartilage has been gouged, and pellets may
be covered with scar tissue and "walled off,"
resulting in very poor drug absorption and
decreased gain.
4. Never sacrifice a careful implantation
technique for speed.