BQA Cattle Care Tool Kit
DOWNLOADSeptember 25, 2023 - Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Checkoff
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EmailRecommended Record Keeping Topics and Tools (Not All-Inclusive)
- Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) - Essential to establishing and maintaining care for your animals.
- Veterinary emergency number in cell phone/tool box/on fridge.
- Common disease prevention and treatment protocols (Developed with your herd veterinarian).
- Equipment (Catch pen and functional chute, head catch, halter, sorting stick, pliers, tags, refrigerator, others)
- Calving book (Record breeding dates and due dates with associated sire) or computer program.
- BQA Daily Biosecurity Plan for Disease Prevention - Understand what disease risks you can control and improve.
- Premises Identification Number (PIN) application for EID tags and USDA Program testing such as for Tuberculosis or Brucellosis.
Basic Medical Supplies
- Thermometer for large animals
- Pen light or Flashlight with batteries
- Stethoscope (for checking heart rate)
- Exam gloves (Latex or nitrile)
- Obstetric (OB) sleeves
- OB lubricant for calving (Talk to your veterinarian about types)
- Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- Hypodermic needles of various sizes (See BQA Field Guide page 17)
- Syringes (1, 3, 6, 12, 20, 35 mL sizes)
- Bandage scissors (Don’t get wimpy ones!)
- Weight tape or scale weight
- Duct tape
- Balling gun - calf size and adult size (Have vet train to give pills or boluses)
- Ear tagger and tags
- Tag pen
- Tag cutter
- Soap for first step in cleaning (such as wounds or vulva for dystocia)
- Disinfectant rinse
- Betadine solution: mix 5 mL per liter (20 mL per gallon) water or saline
- Chlorhexidine solution: mix 2 oz (60 mL) per gallon water
- Functional refrigerator, fridge thermometer, and dedicated storage for animal health products
Calving
- If a calving cow or heifer has been actively trying to calve and has shown no progress in 30 minutes, you need to call a veterinarian for assistance.
- Tip: If nose and feet are not visible and cow or heifer is straining, call your vet!
- 5 gallon bucket
- Obstetrical chains and handles OR straps
- Clean towels
- Esophageal feeder (at least 2 - one for colostrum, one for sick calves)
- Have vet teach you when this is needed and proper technique to prevent injuring the calf!!
- Large trash bags
- Heat lamp
- Calf blanket or Large dog coat
- Waterproof coveralls or apron
- Old T-shirts or sweaters (for rags or drying)
- Navel dip (such as Iodine or Chlorhexidine solution)
- Colostrum replacement (contains more than 100 g of immunoglobulins or IgG)
- Your veterinarian will guide you on how to use
- Electrolytes - Talk with your veterinarian on specific products
- Pain medication for cattle will be specific to your operation - work with your vet
Bandaging Materials
- Roll gauze
- Self-adhesive, flexible wrap (VetWrap or similar)
- Elastic adhesive tape
- White tape
- Ace bandages (3 inch and 6 inch)
- Roll cotton
- Flexible ice packs
- Non-stick wound pads (Telfa or similar)
- Gauze 4x4 pads
- AluSpray (Aerosol bandage)
- Catron Fly Spray
Veterinarian Recommendations
- Work with your veterinarian for your herd’s specific needs.
- The following product recommendations will vary based on region, cattle risk, and cattle age or type: Vaccines, vitamin/ mineral supplements, dewormers, pain medication, antibiotics, and performance enhancing products.
Basic Injection Guidelines
- Give injections in neck, in front of slope of shoulder
- Use proper needle size
- Deliver subcutaneous (SQ) when possible, using less than 15 cc per site or as indicated on label
- Never administer more than 10 cc per IM injection site
- Space injections at least 4” (hands width) apart on neck, utilize other side of neck
- Always follow label instructions including proper dosage, route, and withdrawal times
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a veterinarian. No veterinarian-client-patient relationship is created by using this list. Consult your herd veterinarian for more information.
