BEEF BULL SEEDSTOCK SYMPOSIUM

Fayette

October 17, 2023

8:30am-4:30pm EDT

Giving shots and vaccinations are some of the many things that applies to the entire cattle industry regardless of the type of production practice. It also one of the most important things that a producer can learn. While at a glance it may seem basic to give a shot or vaccination, it is a bit more complex than just sticking the cow with a needle. Here we will guide you through the biggest things you need to keep in my mind when administering vaccinations or giving shots.

Choosing your Needle

One of the most important things that you can do is select the right needle for the situation. Choosing the wrong sized needle can lead to the medicine or vaccine not working or it may even harm the animal. Using this figure can help to cut out any questions you may have when trying to figure out what needles should be used. It helps to save you time and minimize mistakes. The main things to consider when choosing a needle include route of administration, size of the animal, site of the injection and technique used.

Site of Injection and Technique

The two most common techniques for giving injections are subcutaneous (SQ) or Intramuscular (IM). The preferred site for these injections is the neck region, so the economically important cuts of meat across the animal are protected. Whenever given the chance, producers should choose to use products that are labeled SQ rather than IM.

Needle Use and Care

There are many things to keep in mind when giving an injection. Make sure the site where the injection will be given is clean. Single use needles are preferred over reusable. Keep your vaccine bottles sterile. Do not keep a needle and syringe in the top of the bottle. Never put the needle back into the bottle after it has been used.

Change needles after every 10 to 15 head of cattle. Immediately change any needle that becomes bent, is contaminated with manure, dirt, chemicals etc. or if the needle point becomes burred. Broken needles are an emergency. If left, they will go further into the tissue and the animal should not be sold or sent to a packer.

The number one thing to remember when you are cleaning your needles is to not use disinfectants. Disinfectants will remain on or in the needle and will hamper the effectiveness or ability of what is being injected. To clean the needles, boil them in hot water to get rid of any bacteria. To dispose of needles, put them in a sharps container or a thick plastic container with a thick lid, such as a liquid detergent bottle. Then you can place it in a rigid container lined with plastic and dispose of them as solid waste.

Barren County

October 18, 2023

8:30am-4:30pm CDT

This program is targeted for seedstock producers that are marketing beef bulls.

Topics will include proper bull development, strategies for genetic improvement (EPDs, genomics, selection indexes) and marketing strategies

Speakers will include Dr. Matt Spangler (University of Nebraska) and speakers from the University of Kentucky and University of Tennessee

Registration will be required to attend and there will be a small registration fee to cover some costs. To receive a detailed agenda and registration information please email mmgi241@uky.edu indicating your interest with your contact information

Sponsored by University of Kentucky Extension, University of Tennessee Extension, Kentucky Ag Development Fund and Kentucky Beef Network