CRITICAL MANAGEMENT POINTS

Identify potential quality problems through the use of an appropriate checklist.  The checklist will assist in the identification of Critical Management Points (CMP) where problems may occur.  Limits must be established for preventative measures associated with each CMP.   For example, any injection not given in the neck is outside the Critical Limit (CL).  Establish rapid corrective actions.  Establish a record keeping procedure.

COW/CALF CHECKLIST

FEED SUPPLY
Check Here
1.  All pesticide used on crops fed to cattle applied according to label directions. .
2.  Pesticides are stored in a building separate from feed supplies and feed additives.  ..
3.  Good manufacturing practices are used for mixing medicated feeds. .
. .
INDIVIDUAL TREATMENTS .
1.  All medications and drugs are used based on label directions. .
2.  All extra label drugs used, including withdrawal times, are based on your veterinarian’s recommendation. .
3.  All individuals receiving treatment are individually identified. .
4.  Records maintained for 2–3 years include animal identification, date of  treatment, product or products used, and withdrawal times .
. .
LIVESTOCK INSECTICIDES .
1.  All insecticides are applied on the basis of label dosages and route of  administration.  .
2.  All insecticides are stored in a designated place away from the feed supply.  .
3.  All insecticides are appropriately labeled.  .
. .
CATTLE PROCESSING .
1.  All cattle are handled to minimize bruises.  .
2.  During bad weather, extra care is taken to see that the injection sites are free  of manure and dirt.  .
3.  Chemical disinfectants are avoided when using modified live virus products. .
4.  Needle size used is never larger than necessary to adequately perform the injections.  .
5.  All injections are made in the neck region. .
6.  Label directions are consulted for maximum volume per injections site. .
7.  Methods of administration (IV, IM, or SC) are based on label directions .
8.  Procedure and products are periodically reviewed and monitored by a  veterinarian.  .
. .
FEEDING PRACTICES .
1.  Cows are maintained in moderate condition.  .
2.  Older cows and younger cows requiring additional energy are maintained in separate feeding groups.  ..
. ..
FACILITIES .
1. Loading facilities insure quick, safe loading and unloading with no bruising .
2. Adequate water space is available.  .
3. Adequate space is available for all animals to have equal access to feed. .
4. Appropriate, clean facilities are available for calving time.  ....
. .
HERD MANAGEMENT .
1. Cows are culled on a regular basis to prevent marketing of high/low condition cows and cows with advanced physical problems. .
2. If brands are used, they are placed near the front of the shoulder or are posterior to the hook bones.  .
3. Bulls are removed from the cowherd to maintain a 60-day calving interval.  .
. .
WEANING MANAGEMENT .
1.  Calves are weaned 28 to 45 days prior to marketing.  .
2.  All vaccinations and treatments for grubs, lice, and internal parasites should be given 21 to 60 days prior to sale and according to manufacturer’s recommendations.  .
3.  Vaccination for the following infectious diseases is recommended:  IBR, PI3,  BVD, BRSV, Clostridium species (7-way), and Pasteurella hemolytica. .
4.  Calves are dehorned, castrated and healed by the day of sale to a third      party. .
5.  Calves must be treated for grubs, lice and internal parasites. .
6.  Calves must be individually identified, and a certificate outlining the  vaccinations and any appropriate treatments, dates given, products and serials used, and the weaning date should be forwarded to the new owner. .
. .
REPLACEMENT SELECTION .
1. Cow herd replacements are selected with cowherd needs and carcass needs  in mind. .
2.  Temperament is a replacement animal consideration.  .
3.  Expected progeny differences (EPDs) are used in bull selection.  .

Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Remember:

Medicated cull cows are high risk animals.  Organ damage may prevent normal clearance of product, so withdrawal may have expired but drug residues remain in tissues.  Injection site lesions are a high risk tissue defect for cow/calf producers as these animals will enter the food chain. 

Home Page  Back to Top  Appendix