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Implants
are placed underneath the skin on the back of the ear. They
exert a positive effect by increasing growth hormone and
insulin, resulting in increased formation of muscle tissue
and decreased fat. Growth hormone is naturally produced by
the pituitary gland and is an important regulator of growth.
As a
general recommendation, male calves should be implanted when
they are castrated. DO NOT implant bull calves that you
intend to save for breeding. Implanting bulls can prevent
the development of the reproductive organs, thus causing
them to be sterile.
Attention should be given to administering implants
properly. When implanted improperly, the potential effect
of the implant cannot be realized.
Administer Implants Correctly
1)
Properly restrain the animal.
2)
Determine which ear you want to implant and adjust the
implant instrument so that the needle can be positioned next
to and parallel to the ear, with the slant side of the
needle facing outward. Implant all calves in the same ear
to minimize confusion.
3)
Select the proper implant site on the back of the ear (see
figure). Place the implant between the skin and cartilage
in the middle third of the ear.
4)
Clean the needle and implant site with a disinfectant to
reduce contamination of the needle wound. (Use a paint tray
and sponge to lay the implant gun on.)
5)
Grasp the ear with one hand while the other hand positions
the instrument parallel to, and nearly flush with the ear.
Put the point of the needle against the ear with the beveled
part facing outward.
6)
Use the tip of the needle to prick the skin, lift slightly,
and completely insert the needle under the skin.
7)
Depress the plunger of the implant gun and withdraw the
needle.
8)
Feel the ear for the implant under the skin to see that it
is inserted properly.
Precautions When Implanting
1)
When the ear is grasped and the needle inserted, the animal
may throw its head. This can be prevented by using a nose
lead, halter, or a headgate equipped with a head and nose
bar.
2)
Avoid piercing or cutting ear veins with the needle.
3) Do
not allow the needle to gouge or pierce through the
cartilage. If you feel resistance as you insert the needle,
it is quite probable that the cartilage has been gouged and
pellets may be covered with scar tissue and "walled off,"
resulting in poor drug absorption and decreased gain.
4)
Never sacrifice a careful implantation technique for
speed.
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