Best Practices for Administering Injections in Cattle: A Guide for Veterinarians and Producers

Release time:

2024-10-25

Nearly 20 years ago, organizations like USDA-FSIS, the National Cattlemen’s Association, and State Livestock Associations initiated efforts to address the issue of injection site lesions in cattle, particularly in premium cuts of beef. This led to the establishment of the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, which provides educational resources to inform veterinarians and producers about how injection practices affect beef quality and consumer satisfaction.

Cattle are injected with various health products such as vaccines, antibiotics, vitamins, and more. Proper injection techniques not only ensure better product efficacy but also enhance animal welfare and beef quality. To avoid damaging valuable cuts, injections should be administered in the injection triangle located in the neck.

Understanding the Injection Triangle:

The injection triangle has three main boundaries:

Lower Boundary: The cervical vertebrae in the middle of the neck.
Upper Boundary: Located just below the nuchal ligament.
Posterior Boundary: Just in front of the slope of the shoulder.

This area minimizes damage to high-value cuts like the top butt and round. Avoid injecting into the nuchal ligament, which has limited blood supply, as this can lead to poor absorption and adverse reactions.

Key Guidelines for Administering Injections:

Spacing: Multiple injections should be at least four inches apart. If two injections are necessary on the same side, administer them in different areas of the injection triangle.
Volume Limits: No more than 10 ml should be given at any one site for intramuscular (IM) injections. For lighter calves, this volume may be reduced. Overfilling a site can cause inflammation, reducing the effectiveness of the product.
Needle Selection: For subcutaneous (SQ) injections, use a 16 or 18 gauge needle, depending on the size of the animal. For IM injections, a 1 to 1.5-inch needle is recommended, again based on the animal's weight.
Route of Administration: When a product offers both IM and SQ options, choose the SQ route, as it is less likely to affect the meat quality.

Importance of Needle Maintenance:

Needles should be sharp to minimize tissue damage. It's essential to change needles frequently, ideally after every 10 injections or sooner if a needle becomes dull or damaged. Bent or burred needles can cause significant harm to the animal and compromise the safety of the beef.

Conclusion:

Administering injections properly is critical for maintaining beef quality and consumer confidence. By following BQA guidelines, producers and veterinarians play a crucial role in ensuring animal welfare and producing high-quality beef that meets consumer expectations.

SAF Coolest v1.3.1.2 设置面板BVPSD-ZWTI-PXAEE-AZV

图片ALT信息： Shaoxing Wanjia Appliance Co.,Ltd.