J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1989. 67:1258-1264.
© 1989 American Society of Animal Science
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Growth and Sexual Characteristics of Suckling Beef Calves as Influenced by Age at Castration and Growth Implants

C. P. Bagley1, D. G. Morrison1, J. I. Feazel1 and A. M. Saxton2

Louisiana State University Agricultural Center,3 Baton Rouge 70893

Abstract

A 2-yr study using crossbred male calves (n = 228) evaluated castrating at birth or at 4 mo of age and use of anabolic growth implants (none, zeranol or estradiol-17ß). Angus, Hereford and Brahman crossbred calves produced in seven cow-calf units that varied by breed component, stocking rate and calving season were allotted to treatment at birth in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. Growth implants decreased (P < .01) testicular weight and expression (P < .05) of male secondary sex characteristics in suckling bull calves at 4 mo. Implanted calves were shorter (P < .05) at the hips and had shorter front legs (P < .01) at both 4 mo and at weaning. Cannon bone circumference at weaning was increased (P < .05) by growth implants. Age at castration did not affect (P > .05) calf performance or body characteristics. Calves given growth implants had higher (P < .05) rates of gain from birth to 4 mo than did nonimplanted calves (.75 vs .71 kg/d). Implanted calves were heavier (P < .01) at weaning and had higher (P < .01) ADG from 4 mo to weaning than did nonimplanted calves. These data indicate no benefit from delaying age at castration, but implanting increased weaning weight an average of 8.2 kg.

Footnotes

1 Rosepine Res. Sta., Rosepine, LA 70659-0026; to whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

2 Dept. of Exp. Stats.

3 Approved for publication by the Director of the Louisiana Agric. Exp. Sta. as manuscript number 86-92-0279.






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Copyright © 1989 by the American Society of Animal Science.