TCFA Feedyard Technician Certification Practice Test

Which of the following can affect performance and carcass value regarding implants?

1. Abscessed implants and crushed implants

2. Overusing feed medications

3. Inadequate feeding practices

4. Insufficient space for cattle

The correct answer is: Abscessed implants and crushed implants

The correct choice highlights the importance of the physical integrity of implants used in cattle management. Abscessed implants and crushed implants can significantly impact both the performance and the carcass value of the animals. When implants become abscessed, they can lead to localized infections, which may not only adversely affect the health of the cattle but also influence their growth rates and overall feed efficiency. Crushed implants can lead to improper release of hormones, which is pivotal for growth promotion. In both cases, the efficacy of the implant is compromised, leading to suboptimal growth and potential downgrades in the quality of the carcass, ultimately affecting market value. Other factors, while they do impact cattle performance, focus on different aspects of animal management. Overusing feed medications can lead to resistance issues or health complications, inadequate feeding practices can potentially hinder proper growth, and insufficient space can affect stress levels in cattle, all of which are important but do not address the specific direct effect of implant integrity on performance and carcass value. Thus, the correctness of choice A is grounded in the tangible physiological impact that the integrity of implants has on the wellbeing and productivity of livestock in a feedyard setting.