39 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming | May 2024 nursing calves. They are the least commonly implanted. There are some very good products that generally start at 45 days old,” explains Mitchell. “In that stage you mostly see natural hormones at low amounts. Many times, they are one of the best payoffs. You are generally going to see 10 to 15, and potentially up to 30:1, return on investment, so it’s a great opportunity to add some growth.” Mitchell notes that implants are beneficial and improve economics in all four stages. Producers should also make sure that implants are applied correctly to maximize the benefits. “It’s important that anyone implanting cattle familiarize themselves with the implant gun. Make sure it’s loaded properly. They should clean and dry the ear, and the needle should be sharp and disinfected,” says Schmid. Mitchell adds that chlorhexidine is an appropriate mild disinfectant for the needle. If the calf has dirty ears, to avoid infecting the injection zone and the needle, he says that some producers also keep a toothbrush in chlorhexidine to clean the site. “Positioning is extremely important,” says Schmid. “The implant should be in the middle third of the ear. Avoid cartilage and do not place it too close to the head. When retracting the needle, hold the pellets in place without crushing them.” Pellets placed in cartilage will release too slowly, whereas crushed pellets or those placed too close to blood vessels can release too quickly. This will reduce the effectiveness of the implant and potentially increase behaviour problems associated with the hormone. Finding an implant strategy that reflects the needs of your cattle operation can improve growth and efficiency, saving money and improving margins. “It’s one of the safest investments that a beef farmer could possibly make,” says Mitchell. BF Visit your local ECHO Dealer for more information: Ancaster, Crossroads Equipment .................... 905-648-8001 Ayr, Ayr Turf & Trac ............................................ 519-632-9901 Barrie, McGill Equipment ................................ 705-503-7732 Brant County, Town & Country Sales & Service.. 519-484-2901 Brantford, Antler, A Davey Company ............... 519-753-6433 Brodhagen, B&K Tire and Battery ................... 519-345-2248 Burgessville, G.J.’s Harvest Centre Inc. ......... 519-424-9374 Castleton, Doug’s Small Engines ................... 905-349-3027 Chesley, Robert’s Farm Equipment ................ 519-363-3192 Courtland, Blue West Equipment ................... 519-688-0909 Dundas, WPE Landscape Equipment .............. 905-628-3055 Elora, DeBoer’s Farm Equipment .................... 519-846-5388 Grimsby, Ag & Turf Power Service ................... 905-945-4848 Hamilton, Outdoor Supplies & Equipment ..... 905-578-2411 Ingersoll, Ken’s Small Engines ....................... 519-425-4466 Maxwell, Maxwell Farm Service ................... 519-922-2108 Meaford, Robert’s Farm Equipment................ 519-538-1660 Millbank, Zehr’s Sales & Manufacturing.......... 519-595-7579 Milverton, G.J.’s Harvest Centre Inc. ............... 519-603-8374 Mississauga, WPE Landscape Equipment .... 905-569-2055 New Dundee, Coleman Equipment ................. 519-696-2213 North Bay, Hamelin’s Outdoor Power Equipment .. 705-497-8676 Orillia, Allan Byers Equipment ........................ 705-325-2746 Owen Sound, Bobcat of Grey Bruce ............... 519-372-9100 Pembroke, AJ’s Power Products ................... 613-735-6788 Rockwood, Connect Equipment ..................... 519-856-9512 Stirling, McIntosh Motors ............................... 613-395-3757 Vars, M.R. Blais Sales & Service...................... 613-443-1230 Walton, Robert’s Farm Equipment ................. 519-887-6365 Windsor, Vehicle Venture ................................. 519-966-8642 EXPERTISE BUILT INTO EVERY TOOL. $40 SAVINGS! $20 SAVINGS! CS-2511TN 25 CC TOP HANDLE CHAINSAW W/ 80TXL CUTTING SYSTEM Available in 12” and 14” bar lengths $76995 STARTING AT MSRP: $789.95 $20 SAVINGS! $42995 FOR ONLY! MSRP: $469.95 CS-3510 30.5 CC REAR-HANDLE CHAINSAW Available in 16” bar length $59995 STARTING AT MSRP: $619.95 CS-4920 50.2 CC REAR-HANDLE CHAINSAW Available in 16”, 18” & 20” bar lengths YOUR SPRING CLEAN-UP CREW LS25 25 TON 212 CC LOGSPLITTER STUMP GRINDERS B&S ENGINE $1,999 95 FOR ONLY! MSRP: $2,299.95 $300 SAVINGS! $5,499 95 STARTING AT MSRP: $5,999.95 $500 SAVINGS! Pictured: BCSGACE ECHO.CA Livestock
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