MSU Extension Beef

Recommended 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.