Cattle Producers Can Add Value with Preconditioning and Implants

With cattle prices at historically strong levels, producers have more money invested in every calf they send to market. New analysis of auction data from Superior Livestock Auction, Kansas State University, and Merck Animal Health found that certain management decisions can help calves capture additional value when they reach the sale ring.

The study analyzed over 860,000 calves included in 2025 auction data and identified several practices associated with higher prices. One of the clearest findings was the value of preconditioning programs, which typically include vaccinations and management practices such as weaning, deworming, and transitioning to dry feed.

Chris Thomsen, a beef technical services veterinarian with Merck Animal Health, said that preconditioning programs provide buyers with a documented health history and greater confidence that calves are prepared for the next stage of production. The auction data showed that calves following a VAC 45 program brought more than $51 per head in additional value at sale.

Thomsen emphasized the importance of documentation, stating that producers can improve their chances of capturing this premium by working with their veterinarians to develop a health and management program tailored to their operation. He also noted that Merck's PrimeVAC program is an example of a documented health program that combines respiratory and clostridial vaccinations with other management options.

The analysis also found significant potential returns from implants, although the value comes primarily through additional pounds rather than a higher price per pound. Calves implanted at two months of age or older averaged about 23 pounds more weaning weight, representing an estimated $85 per head advantage for implanted calves. When combined with a VAC 45 preconditioning program, producers could potentially add more than $135 per head to the value of their calves.