Evaluation of the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of melengestrol acetate in feedlot heifer calves in western Canada.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative efficacy and cost-effectiveness of feeding melengestrol acetate (MGA) to feedlot heifer calves in western Canada. Heifers fed MGA had significantly (P less than .05) improved average daily gain, feed conversion, and carcass quality grade and lower rates of initial undifferentiated fever treatment and bovine respiratory disease mortality. However, heifers fed MGA had less desirable (P less than .05) carcass yield grade. There was a net economic advantage of Can $11.31/animal in favor of heifers fed MGA. Based on these results, it is efficacious and cost-effective to feed MGA to heifer calves raised in standard large-pen commercial feedlots in western Canada.
Perrett
Tye
T
Feedlot Health Management Services Ltd., Okotoks, Alberta, Canada.
Wildman
Brian K
BK
Jim
G Kee
GK
Vogstad
Aamanda R
AR
Fenton
R Kent
RK
Hannon
Sherry J
SJ
Schunicht
Oliver C
OC
Abutarbush
Sameeh M
SM
Booker
Calvin W
CW
D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects; D002170:Canada; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development*; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics; D008460:Meat / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards*; D008552:Melengestrol Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008552:Melengestrol Acetate