Evaluation of Synovex Plus, Synovex S and Revalor S Implants in Feedlot Steers

One hundred forty-four crossbred yearling steers with an average weight of 841 pounds were used in a 116- day experiment. Steers received either 1) no implant, 2) Synovex S¨, 3) Revalor S¨, or 4) Synovex Plus¨. All implanted groups consumed more feed and gained faster and more efficiently than non-implanted steers. There were no significant differences in gain, feed intake or feed efficiency among implanted groups, though steers with the estrogen + trenbolone acetate combination implants were numerically superior to those implanted with Synovex S¨. There were no differences in feedlot performance between the two combination implants. Implants increased carcass weight with no significant effects on fat thickness or carcass quality grades. The combination implants containing trenbolone acetate increased ribeye area and increased masculinity of the carcasses. These results indicate Synovex Plus¨ is an effective implant for finishing steers.

Evaluation of Condensed Porcine Solubles as a Source of Supplemental Nitrogen in Corn-Based Finishing Diets for Yearling Steers

A feeding trial was conducted with 860-lb yearling steers fed 121 days to evaluate Condensed Porcine Solubles (Porcine Solubles) as a source of supplemental nitrogen for finishing cattle. Diets containing 5% soybean meal, 1.46% urea, and 2% or 4% Porcine Solubles were compared. When first offered, cattle did not want to consume feed containing the Porcine Solubles. Following adaptation, feed containing up to 4% Porcine Solubles was readily consumed. During the first 56 days, steers fed soybean meal gained faster and were more efficient than steers fed urea or Porcine Solubles. At the end of the trial there were no differences among the nitrogen supplements in feed intake, gain, or feed conversion. There were no significant differences in carcass weight or measures of carcass quality.

Responses to Adding Fat to Corn-Based Diets Supplemented with Urea and Soybean Meal for Finishing Steers

Yearling steers were fed corn-based diets supplemented with urea or soybean meal plus urea, and none, 2%, or 4% fat. All steers were implanted with Revalorâ-S and fed for 118 days. Adding fat did not improve performance of the steers in the feedlot or improve carcass characteristics. Feeding soybean meal increased rate of gain, improved feed efficiency, increased carcass weight, and tended to improve carcass quality grades compared with feeding urea. Adding 4% fat decreased feed intake, suggesting that corn-based diets may contain enough oil to approach the quantity of fat that can be utilized effectively in a ruminant diet.