Infrared thermography (IRT) can be used
successfully to differentiate abscessed implanted
ears from nonimplanted ears 8 days
postimplanting. Abscessed ears averaged
5.7EF warmer than nonimplanted ears when
ambient temperature was 60 to 63EF. Average
daily gain and feed efficiency were reduced
8.9% and 8.3%, respectively, over the 91-day
feeding period for cattle with abscessed implants
compared to cattle with normal implants.
Dry matter intake was not affected by an abscessed
implant and averaged nearly 18.0
lb/head/day for both treatment groups. Abscessed
implants reduced economic return by
$17.70 per head.
