Abstract

Crossbred Angus calves (n=141) were used to determine the effect of castration age and implant on weaning and preconditioned weights. Calf treatments consisted of: early castration at 90 days of age with no growth implant, early castration with a growth implant (Synovex C) at 90 days of age, or late castration at weaning (226 days of age). All calves completed a preconditioning program that consisted of timely vaccinations (21 days prior and at weaning) and a 28-day, post-weaning feeding period. Steers that were early castrated/implanted had weaning weights similar to those of bull calves, and both groups weighed 15 lb more than their early castrated/no implant contemporaries. However, 28 days after weaning the early castrated/ implanted steers weighed 20 lb more than either the early castrate/no implant or late castrated steers. Our data indicate that early castration in combination with a suckling phase implant produces the greatest amount of saleable weight along with the most flexibility in marketing options.

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 2003, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 03-272-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 908, Beef, Castration, Preconditioned weights, Weaning weights

How to Cite:

Marston, T., Llewellyn, D. A., Homm, J. & Hollis, L. C., (2003) “Effects of castration age and a growth implant during suckling on weaning and preconditioned weights”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 69-71. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1654