Timing of trenbolone acetate implants on performance, carcass characteristics, and beef quality of finishing steer calves

Abstract

Angus and Angus-cross calves (632 lb) were utilized in a finishing study to evaluate the effects of implanting with estradiol and progesterone (Synovex-S®) and(or) trenbolone acetate (Finaplix®) on performance of finishing steers. Over the entire finishing period (117 d), implanted steers had higher (P<.05) daily gains and were more efficient than nonimplanted steers. Carcasses from implanted cattle had heavier (P<.05) hot weights and larger (P<.05) ribeye areas. Steers implanted with Finaplix had larger (P<.05) ribeye areas than those implanted with Synovex only. Marbling scores and quality grades were not affected by implant treatments. Rib (9-10-11) sections from implanted steers were heavier (P<.05) as a result of both heavier (P<.05) bone and soft tissue weights. However, no differences in percentages of protein, fat, and moisture were detected by proximate analysis of the soft tissue. Concomitant use of Finaplix with Synovex-S did not affect performance of Angus and Anguscrossed steer calves.