Effect of different post-weaning growth paths on long-term weight gain, carcass characteristics and eating quality of beef cattle

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (12) ◽  
pp. 1571 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. W. Tomkins ◽  
G. S. Harper ◽  
H. L. Bruce ◽  
R. A. Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Nutrient Restriction ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Beef Quality ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Daily Gain

The effects of post-weaning nutrient restriction on growth, carcass characteristics and beef quality were determined. Belmont Red weaner steers (n = 100) were allocated to an initial slaughter group and 3 treatment groups of 120 days duration: rapid growth, slow growth and weight loss. The average daily gain of the groups were (mean ± s.e.): 0.81 ± 0.02, 0.29 ± 0.02 and –0.22 ± 0.01 kg/day, for the rapid growth, slow growth and weight loss groups, respectively. At the end of the treatment period, rapid growth steers had significantly (P<0.05) heavier carcasses, higher dressing percentages and greater bone mineral contents than those from the weight loss group. Steers from each group were realimented for 192 days at pasture. Average daily gains during this period were 0.39 ± 0.03, 0.52 ± 0.04 and 0.61 ± 0.05 kg/day for the rapid growth, slow growth and weight loss groups, respectively. Ten animals from the rapid growth group were then slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics. The remaining steers were finished at pasture for a further 409 days. During this period there was no significant difference in average daily gain between treatment groups. Steers from the rapid growth group had a significantly greater final weight (531 ± 16.8 kg) compared with weight loss steers (481 ± 14.0 kg). Carcass characteristics, eye muscle area, bone mineral content and objective measures of meat quality for the M. longissimus dorsi and M. semitendinosus did not differ significantly between groups. Shear peak force values for cooked M. longissimus dorsi samples were not significantly different between groups. Clipped meat quality scores for M. longissimus dorsi samples, as assessed by Meat Standards Australia, were not significantly different between treatment groups and indicated consumer acceptability. It was concluded that nutrient restriction in the immediate post-weaning period followed by pasture realimentation did not influence final carcass characteristics or beef quality.

Growth and carcass characteristics of Wagyu-sired steers at heavy market weights following slow or rapid growth to weaning

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 951 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Cafe ◽  
H. Hearnshaw ◽  
D. W. Hennessy ◽  
P. L. Greenwood
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Similar Composition ◽  
Daily Gain

Two groups of Wagyu × Hereford steers grown slowly (slow preweaning group, n = 14, mean average daily gain = 631 g/day) or rapidly (rapid preweaning group, n = 15, mean average daily gain = 979 g/day) from birth to weaning were backgrounded on improved, temperate pasture to equivalent group liveweights (543 v. 548 kg, s.e. = 8.8 kg), then finished in a feedlot for 120 days. At weaning, the slow preweaning group was 79 kg lighter than the rapid preweaning group. They required an additional 43 days of backgrounding to reach the same feedlot entry weight as the rapid preweaning group. The slow preweaning group grew more rapidly during backgrounding (630 v. 549 g/day, s.e. = 13.7 g/day) but tended to grow more slowly during feedlotting (1798 v. 1982 g/day, s.e. = 74.9 g/day) than their rapid preweaning counterparts, with overall growth rates from weaning to feedlot exit not differing between the 2 groups (rapid 763 g/day v. slow 772 g/day, s.e. = 17.5 g/day). At slaughter, following the feedlot phase, carcass weights of the 2 groups did not differ significantly (rapid 430 kg v. slow 417 kg, s.e. = 7.2 kg). There was a tendency for the steers grown slowly to weaning to have a higher dressing percentage (57.6 v. 56.6%, s.e. = 0.33%), but there were no significant differences in carcass compositional characteristics between the 2 groups. The slow preweaning steers did have a greater eye muscle area than the rapid preweaning steers (106.6 v. 98.9 cm2, s.e. = 1.87) when carcass weight was used as a covariate. These findings demonstrate that cattle grown slowly to weaning have similar composition at slaughter as those grown rapidly during the same period when backgrounded on pasture to the same feedlot entry weight. Furthermore, marbling was not adversely affected by slow growth to weaning.

scholarly journals Effect of breed type and ionophore supplementation on growth and carcass characteristic in feedlot hair lambs

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 633-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Salinas-Chavira ◽  
Alfredo Lara-Juarez ◽  
Abraham Gil-González ◽  
Jorge Jimenez-Castro ◽  
Ramón Garcia-Castillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Breed Type ◽  
Daily Gain

The effects of supplementing feedlot diets with ionophores and breed type were assessed on growth rate and carcass characteristics in hair lambs. Twenty four intact males, 12 Pelibuey × Dorper (PDo) and 12 Pelibuey × Damara (PDa) lambs, 17.9 ± 3.7 kg initial weight, were housed in individual pens for a 60-d feeding trial. The lambs were assigned randomly into four diets: control without additives (C); 25 µg/g monensin (M); 28 µg/g salinomycin (S); 28 µg/g S for 20 d, and 25 µg/g M for the next 40 d (SM). Each diet was supplied to six lambs. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four diets and two breed types of hair lambs (PDo and PDa). All diets were formulated to contain 14% CP and 2.6 Mcal ME/kg dry matter. At the end of the feeding trial carcass images were recorded in the last intercostal space (12th and 13th ribs) using ultrasound equipment to measure the Longissimus dorsi muscle area and subcutaneous fat (SF). The average daily gain (ADG), daily dry matter intake, feed:gain ratio, subcutaneous fat and Longissimus dorsi area were not affected by ionophore supplementation.. The Pelibuey × Dorper group tended to show better average daily gain than Pelibuey × Damara (262 g/d and 235 g/d, respectively). Daily dry matter intake, feed:gain ratio and subcutaneous fat were not affected by breed type. The Pelibuey × Dorper lambs had greater Longissimus dorsi area (16.74 cm²) than the Pelibuey × Damara (14.29 cm²) lambs. The growth rate was not influenced by the inclusion of ionophores. Pelibuey × Dorper lambs showed better average daily gain and carcass characteristics than Pelibuey × Damara lambs.

Can potential for dark cutting be predicted by phenotype? Relationship between sex, carcass characteristics, and the incidence of dark cutting beef

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahid Mahmood ◽  
John A. Basarab ◽  
Walter T. Dixon ◽  
Heather L. Bruce
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Beef Quality ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Daily Gain

Recent research indicated that reduced carcass muscling and weight are associated with beef dark cutting. Existing data from a single farm (44 heifers, 136 steers) from three normal beef quality grades (Canada AAA, AA, A) and the dark cutting grade (Canada B4) (n = 35, 106, 28, and 11, respectively) were used to identify relationships between sex, live animal, and carcass characteristics and the incidence of dark cutting. Categorical modelling showed a trend (P = 0.106) for heifer carcasses to have a greater probability [11.36 ± 4.78% standard error of the mean (SEM)] of dark cutting than carcasses from steers (4.4 ± 1.76% SEM). Mixed model analysis of variance indicated dark cutting heifers weighed less than cattle from normal grades at weaning (P = 0.0229) and slaughter (P = 0.0295). Logistic regression revealed that the probability of each carcass grade occurring was influenced by dry matter intake (DMI) (P = 0.0034), and the probability of dark cutting was lowest (P = 0.0286) in cattle with carcasses greater than 300 kg. Results suggested that cattle at risk of dark cutting may be identified by weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed intake.

Effects of grain source, silage level, and slaughter weight endpoint on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Angus and Charolais steers

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. L. McEwen ◽  
I. B. Mandell ◽  
G. Brien ◽  
C. P. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Shear Force ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Beef Quality ◽  
Angus Cattle ◽  
Charolais Cattle ◽  
Cost Of Production ◽  
Daily Gain

Two growth performance trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of grain source (corn vs. barley), corn silage level (15 vs. 50%) and body weight (BW) at slaughter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and beef quality. Gains were greater ( P < 0.01) feeding corn vs. barley to Angus cattle slaughtered at 550 or 600 kg, most likely due to greater (P < 0.02) feed intakes for corn-fed cattle. Despite greater dry matter intake (DMI; P < 0.01) and feed to gain ratios (P < 0.08) with 50% silage diets, cost of production was lower (P < 0.01) feeding 50 vs. 15% silage diets. Grain source by BW endpoint interactions (P < 0.06) were present for Angus steers due to greater average daily gain (ADG) and lower feed to gain and cost of production in corn-fed cattle slaughtered at 600 versus 550 kg, while the converse was the case for barley-fed cattle. Carcass characteristics and palatability attributes were generally not affected (P > 0.05) by grain source or silage level in the diet. Grain source by silage level by slaughter endpoint interactions (P < 0.08) were present for measures of tenderness (shear force and taste panel assessment of tenderness, chewiness, and rate of breakdown). Gains were not affected (P > 0.27) by grain source for Charolais cattle, while barley feeding decreased (P < 0.10) DMI, feed to gain, and costs of production versus corn feeding. Silage level in the diet did not affect (P > 0.10) any growth performance trait in Charolais cattle. Grain source generally did not affect (P > 0.10) most carcass characteristics and shear force with the Charolais steers. The feeding of the 15% silage diet decreased (P < 0.10) measures of leanness and muscling. Many carcass characteristics were affected (P < 0.02) by slaughter endpoint in Charolais steers, with values changing as BW at slaughter increased from 600 to 700 kg. Key words: Corn, barley, beef cattle, slaughter endpoint, shear force, palatability attributes

scholarly journals Nucleotide Supplementation to Whole Milk Has Beneficial Effects on Post-Weaning Holstein Calf Performance

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
Yousef Abbaslou ◽  
Davood Zahmatkesh ◽  
Ehsan Mahjoubi ◽  
Mehdi Hossein Yazdi ◽  
Hamed Beiranvand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Whole Milk ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Fecal Score

The positive effects of nucleotide (NU) supplementation in milk replacer have been elucidated in infants and in dairy calves; however, NU addition to whole milk has not been evaluated previously. This study aimed to assess NU supplementation in the whole milk on calf growth and health. Thirty Holstein calves (body weight: 39.1 ± 1.0 kg; 3 d after birth) were randomly assigned to the following treatments: whole milk without any supplementation (NU0), whole milk + 0.5 g/d added a NU-containing supplement to whole milk (NUCS0.5), and whole milk + 1 g/d added a NU-containing supplement to whole milk (NUCS1). Calves were weaned at d 55 and stayed on study until d 75. Calves had free access to feed and water throughout the study. Dry matter intakes (DMI) were similar among treatments (p > 0.05) during the pre-weaning period; however, increasing NU resulted in a linear (p < 0.05) increase in DMI during the post weaning period (2158, 2432, and 2518 g/d for NU0, NUCS0.5, and NUCS1, respectively). Treatments did not affect body weight (BW) at the first and second month of study, but final BW linearly increased as NU was added (87.1, 90.6, and 95.4 kg for NU0, NUCS0.5, and NUCS1, respectively). Neither pre-weaning average daily gain nor post-weaning average daily gain was affected by treatments; accordingly, feed efficiency was similar among treatment groups. Days with loose fecal score were linearly decreased as NU was added to whole milk during the first month of life, while the fecal score did not differ among treatments until the end of the study. No difference was observed in the skeletal growth of calves in the current study. Therefore, it can be concluded that NU supplementation in the whole milk has some beneficial effects on calf performance in terms of final BW, post-weaning DMI, and less days with loose feces.

scholarly journals 401 Effect of zinc source and ractopamine hydrochloride on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed in confinement to harvest

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 160-160
Author(s):  
John Wagner ◽  
William T Nelson ◽  
Terry Engle ◽  
Jerry Spears ◽  
Jeff Heldt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Zinc Source ◽  
Dressing Percentage ◽  
Ractopamine Hydrochloride ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Four hundred and thirty-two beef steers (346.3 ± 63.7 kg BW) were used to determine the effects of Zn source on feedlot cattle fed ractopamine hydrochloride. Cattle were blocked in groups of 54 by BW and housed in 48 pens containing 9 steers per pen. Pens within a weight block were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) 0 or 30.1 mg of ractopamine HCl/kg DM fed during the final 29 days on feed; and 2) Zn source: 90 mg of supplemental Zn/kg DM from ZnSO4; Zn sulfate (67%) + Zn methionine (33%); and Zn from Zn hydroxychloride, fed through the entire feeding period. Cattle were fed a high concentrate finishing diet for 154 d and slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Average daily gain, DMI, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics were determined after slaughter. Zinc source had no impact on live animal performance. Cattle fed ractopamine HCl had greater (P &lt; 0.01) final BW, greater (P &lt; 0.001) ADG, improved (P &lt; 0.001) G:F, heavier (P &lt; 0.01) HCW, and larger (P &lt; 0.05) longissimus muscle compared to non-ractopamine supplemented steers. There was a Zn source by ractopamine interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for dressing percentage. Cattle receiving ractopamine HCl with Zn hydroxychloride had a greater dressing percentage (P &lt; 0.05) when compared to ractopamine HCl cattle fed other Zn sources. Cattle receiving ractopamine HCl with Zn sulfate had a lesser dressing percentage (P &lt; 0.05) when compared to ractopamine HCl cattle fed other Zn sources. Additional Zn source by ractopamine HCl interactions were not significant. These data indicate that Zn source has minimal impacts on feedlot steer performance and carcass characteristics when supplemented to cattle receiving 0.0 or 30.1 mg of ractopamine HCl/kg DM.

scholarly journals Effects of coated and noncoated steroidal implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum estradiol-17β concentrations of finishing Holstein steers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro H V Carvalho ◽  
Mariana F Westphalen ◽  
Jonathan A Campbell ◽  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Serum Estradiol ◽  
Trenbolone Acetate ◽  
Coated Implant ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Estradiol 17Β

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of coated or noncoated hormone implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet for 112 d. Seventy-nine Holstein steers [average initial body weight (BW) = 452 ± 5.5 kg] were stratified by BW and allotted to one of two treatments: 1) Holstein steers implanted with a coated implant containing 200 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 40 mg E2 (Revalor-XS (Merck Animal Health; Summit, NJ)] on day 0 (XS) or 2) Holstein steers implanted two times (days 0 and 56) with a noncoated implant containing 80 mg of TBA and 16 mg of E2 [(2IS) Revalor-IS (Merck Animal Health)]. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.71) of implant strategy on initial, middle, and final BW. No effect (P ≥ 0.12) of implant strategy was observed on average daily gain, dry matter intake, or gain-to-feed ratio. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of implant strategy on carcass characteristics. There was an implant × day interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for the circulation of serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentration increased similarly 14 d after Holstein steers were implanted, regardless of implant strategy. At 28 d, after steers were implanted, steers in the XS group had less serum E2 concentration than Holstein steers in the 2IS group. However, at 56 d after the first implantation, both groups, once again, had similar serum E2 concentrations and E2 concentrations were less on day 56 than day 28 for both strategies. Holstein steers implanted with 2IS had greater serum E2 concentration on day 70 and E2 concentrations remained greater than serum E2 of Holstein steers implanted XS for the duration of the trial (day 112). In summary, there was no effect of coated or two doses of noncoated implant on growth performance or carcass characteristics of Holstein steers.

scholarly journals The Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Black Baladi Kids Fed Diets with Graded Quantities of Sweet Lupin Grain (Lupinus angustifolius)

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Belal S. Obeidat
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Diet Cost ◽  
Daily Gain

A study was conducted to examine how lupin grains (LUPs) feeding affected nutritional intake, digestibility, growth, and carcass characteristics in kids. A total of 24 growing black kids (initial body weight (BW) = 16.4 ± 0.49 kg) were allocated to one of three diets at random. Lupin was included in the diet at a rate of 0 (control; CON), 100 (LUP100), or 200 g/kg (LUP200) of total dry matter (DM). The trial lasted for 91 days divided into 7 and 84 days to be used for adaptation and data collection, respectively. Feed intake was evaluated daily throughout the study. At the commencement and the end of the study, each kid’s body weight was measured to determine its average daily gain (ADG). On day 70, 5 kids were chosen at random from each group to investigate nutrient in vivo digestibility and N balance. At the end of the study, all of the kids were slaughtered to examine carcass features. Nutrient intakes (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and ether extract) were higher (p ≤ 0.01) in LUP-containing diets than in the CON diet. The average daily gain was greater (p ≤ 0.03) in diets containing lupin grains than in the CON diet. Cost of gain ($US/kg growth) was lower (p = 0.004) in kids fed diets containing lupin than the CON diet. Dry matter and CP digestibility rates were greater (p ≤ 0.03) in lupin diets. Retained N was higher (p = 0.04) in lupin-containing diets than in the CON diet. Cold carcass weight was higher (p < 0.05) for kids consuming the LUP100 diet than the CON diet. In lupin diets, carcass cut weights were higher (p < 0.05). Results of the current study indicate that feeding black kids diets containing lupin grains at 100 or 200 g/kg DM basis is cost effective and would increase profitability.

scholarly journals Effects of restricted feeding and re-alimentation of dietary protein or energy on compensatory growth of sheep

1970 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-396
Author(s):  
W. Addah ◽  
A. Ayantunde ◽  
E.K. Okine
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Eating Quality ◽  
Nutrient Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Daily Gain

The study investigated the effects of re-alimenting dietary protein or energy on growth, carcass characteristics and meat eating quality parameters of sheep. Twenty-seven intact rams (~9 months; 11.3 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was fed a maintenance diet (MT) containing, on dry matter (DM) basis, 105 g/kg crude protein (CP) and 8.4 MJ/kg DM metabolizable energy (ME) for 30 days. Thereafter, they were continually fed the same MT or re-alimented with a high protein diet (HP) containing 169 g/kg DM CP and 9.3 MJ/kg ME or a high energy diet (HE) containing 123 g/kg DM CP and 10.6 MJ/kg ME for an additional 30 days to determine the effects of re-alimentation of protein or energy on their growth performance and carcass characteristics. During the initial 30-day period, DM intake (DMI) and growth performance were similar among the three groups. However, upon re-alimentation, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency of sheep re-alimented with HP were greater than those maintained continually on MT or re-alimented with HE. Sheep on HP had higher feed efficiency, ADG and heavier carcasses than those fed MT or re-alimented with HE during the whole 60-day period. Growth of most viscera was less responsive to the restriction-re-alimentation feeding regimen except for the weights of the lungs, heart and intestines. Meat from sheep re-alimented with HE had a more intense ‘sheepy’ flavour than those fed MT or re-alimented with HP, but juiciness and tenderness were not affected. The higher ADG of sheep re-alimented with protein may be related more to enhanced efficiency of feed utilization than to higher DMI.Keywords: average daily gain, feed restriction, nutrient utilization efficiency, visceral organs

scholarly journals Effects of steroidal implants on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and serum and meat estradiol-17β concentrations of Holstein steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 206-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Henrique Vilela Carvalho ◽  
George A Perry ◽  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Trenbolone Acetate ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Estradiol 17Β

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of steroidal implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations in the blood and longissimus muscle of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet. Seventy Holstein steers (average initial BW = 275 ± 6.4 kg, 10 to 12 mo of age) were assigned to treatments: (i) implanted with 80 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 16 mg of E2 (Component TE-IS with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) at the start of the trial (day 0), and reimplanted with 120 mg of TBA and 24 mg of E2 (Component TE-S with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health) on day 84 of the experiment; or (ii) no implant. Implanted Holstein steers were heavier (P ≤ 0.01) than nonimplanted Holstein steers in the middle (day 84) and at the end of the experiment (day 186). Implanting Holstein steers increased (P &lt; 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) without affecting gain-to-feed ratio compared with nonimplanted animals. Carcasses from implanted Holstein steers had greater (P &lt; 0.01) hot carcass weight (HCW) and longissimus muscle (LM) area than carcasses from nonimplanted steers. Implanting did not affect (P ≥ 0.21) other carcass characteristics. There was an increase (P = 0.03) of 1.3 pg of E2/g of muscle in implanted Holstein steers compared with that from nonimplanted Holstein steers. There was an implant × day interaction (P &lt; 0.01) in serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentrations were not altered in nonimplanted Holstein steers, whereas E2 concentration increased (P &lt; 0.01) after steers were implanted, regardless of implant characteristics. Serum E2 peaked at 28 days after the first implant and then rapidly declined after day 56. In summary, steroidal implants administered on days 0 and 84 increased DMI, ADG, HCW, and LM area in Holstein steers compared with nonimplanted steers due to increased serum E2 concentrations. However, these changes did not improve feed efficiency or other carcass characteristics.

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