Economic evaluation of the use of feedlot abortifacients

Abstract

A total of 169 pregnant heifers were divided into a control group (85) where no abortifacients were used and a treatment group where abortifacients (prostaglandins with or without dexamethasone) were administered. When the heifers were re-examined after 21 days, 14% of the controls had aborted compared to 95% of the treated heifers. After a 105-day feeding period, the heifers were slaughtered; 44% of the controls were pregnant and only 4% of the treated heifers. Carcass data from the two groups revealed an economic advantage of $17 per head for the aborted heifers over the controls.