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COVID-19-related impacts on the beef industry have many producers wondering when the best time is to market this year’s calf crop and asking if it pays to hold calves and put extra weight on them.
A near-perfect storm has created an opportunity to add value to dairy calves not destined for the milking string. While dairy herd numbers remain fairly steady, improved milk production efficiencies have reduced the pace of replacement animals entering the herd.
There are very few studies looking at the use of implants in Holstein steers. Dan Loy, director for the Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension beef specialist, says that is not necessarily a problem.
Many fall-calving herds may have calves on the ground already. Fall-calving cows and young calves are at risk for heat stress, and excessive heat can lead to lethargic calves at birth.
While it is well understood that growth-promoting implants are an asset to the feedlot industry in terms of increased gains and feed efficiency, the use of implants in the cow-calf segment is often overlooked and blamed for negatively impacting quality grades.
Steroidal implants, often referred to as simply implants, have been used in beef cattle for more than 60 years. In addition, there are a wide array of available implants on the market.
Dairy steers are an important source of beef production in the U.S. Since Holstein is the dominant dairy breed, emphasis is placed on finishing Holstein steers. “Dairy beef” refers to any dairy herd progeny developed to be ruminating cattle and harvested at an age that qualifies them for the USDA Prime, Choice or Select quality grades. Beef cattle breeds are referred to as “native” breeds.
