Anabolic implants are used to lower the cost of beef cattle production. Implant products are available for suckling calves, grazing cattle, and finishing cattle. On average, improvements of 6%, 15%, and 20% in average daily gain can be realized in calves, stockers, and feedlot cattle, respectively, with implanting. Producers have numerous choices available today when utilizing implants to lower production costs. In the current segmented beef industry, implanting decisions are dictated by phase of production in which the cattle are marketed. General recommendations have been to utilize implants predominately in the finishing phase and some feedlots currently offer premiums when purchasing non-implanted cattle. However in totally integrated beef production systems, traditional implant schemes may not be optimal and should be reevaluated. The primary objective of an integrated system is to reduce the overall cost of beef production from conception to harvest while providing a quality product. Decisions regarding the phase(s) of beef production to utilize implants become very important in relation to profitability for the intensive system. Implant strategies developed must consider the resources available, cattle type, age at harvest, and pricing grid at harvest. Implant effects on quality grade and palatability of the end product must also be considered. Research indicates altering timing of implant administration in relation to harvest can reduce the effects of implanting on quality grade. Limited information is available on the effects of lifetime implanting on carcass quality. Implant strategies that encompass these factors will be discussed and future research needs addressed.