Food Animal Lab Final

Describe the proper technique for tail jacking. When is tail jacking most commonly used?

Slowly lift the tail up and over the back of the cow applying pressure forward once the tail has been raised to keep it in place. It is most commonly used for coccygeal venipuncture.

How can the herding instinct be used to move cattle? Why does the collective flight zone help the handler move cattle in a specific direction?

Handlers can use the herding instinct by moving the cattle in groups, using a collective flight zone by applying controlled movements outside the herd to keep the cattle moving.

What method of restraint would be ideal for hoof trimming and why?

Hobbles are ideal because it prevents the cow from kicking and to force the cow to lift its leg.

Why are RFID tags being phased in by the USDA?

It is an electronic form of ID for each individual animal, allowing information to be quickly gathered and shared for disease traceability.

How does housing for calves differ from that for other cattle?

Calves can be housed individually or in small groups, and can be in stalls or hutches. Calves are more susceptible to diseases because they have a lower immunity so they have to be separated to control the spread of disease.

What nutritional changes occur for beef cattle when moved to a finishing lot? Why?

When they are moved to the feedlot they are usually placed on a high energy and high protein diet (corn-based) to improve the quality of the meat.

The technician is obtaining vital signs on a sick cow. The heart rate is 28 bpm and the respiration is 72 per minute. Are these cause for concern? Why?

Yes there is cause for concern. In a normal adult cow, a healthy heart rate is 40-80 bpm and a healthy respiration range is 10-30 per minute.

Why is the milk vein used as a last resort when performing venipuncture?

The milk vein is prone to hematomas and bleeding as is at an awkward location to work with.

How are rumen contractions important when monitoring vital signs?

If the contractions are more frequent, it can indicate too much movement. If the contractions are less frequent, it can indicate not enough movement.

How does the castration of beef cattle affect the favorability of the meat?

Castration reduces the muscle pH and can increase marbling, tenderness, and quality of meat. Removing the testicles which is the source of testosterone makes it more flavorful.

How does a fistula help with chronic bloat or cattle in need for transfaunation?

The fistula can create a passageway from the rumen to the outside of the body allowing the gas to be released and remove the built up pressure.

How does a Frick speculum ease placement of an orogastric intubation?

It can ease placement by preventing the animal from chewing on the tube.

Why is it recommended to disbud calves before 2 months of age? Why is dehorning a riskier procedure for an older calf?

After 2 months of age, the horns attach and have blood supply. Disbudding is done early to avoid unnecessary pain. Dehorning of an older calf is risky because it involves more blood loss, more pain, and exposure to the frontal sinus cavity.

Why does the Burdizzo method of castration require more experience for success?

This method can be difficult to ensure success because the animal must be still and the tech needs to have precise clamping.

How does the dental conformation of cattle differ from that of equines?

Bovine dental conformation includes incisors, premolars, and molars. The incisors are in the front part of the mouth but only on the bottom jaw.

What type of injection can result in abscesses forming if done incorrectly? How can this be avoided?

IM injections. It can be avoided by proper restraint and following medication instructions correctly.

What size need do we use for jugular venipuncture?

18 gauge 1 1/2 “

Calves are more susceptible to pathogens if they do not receive adequate why?

Colostrum

What disease affects dairy cows’ udders and teats?

Mastitis

How long can colostrum be kept frozen?

Up to 6 months

When should calves be offered high quality colostrum?

Within 4 hours of birth

When should calf starter be offered?

Starting at 3 days of age

At 12 weeks of age, the reticulum and rumen will make up more than ___ of the total stomach capacity.

two-thirds

When disbudding kids or lambs, if the horn bud is not completely removed then ____ will develop.

scurs

If a goat’s spine is not prominent and there is even a layer of fat covering its ribs, what is the BCS?

3

___ is the most common and important vaccine for both sheep and goats.

CD/T

Goats and sheep can be accuately aged until about ___ years.

4

Small ruminants should be fasted or have food withheld for __-__ hours before anesthesia if possible.

12-24

Because of the high incidence of ___ in caprines and ovines, a vaccine should be administered before castration.

tetanus

Docking a sheep’s tail reduces the probability of ___ and prevents fecal accumulation around the wool of the hindquarters and tail.

Flystrike

When under general anesthesia, small ruminants are not able to eructate and gas can accumulate in the rumen and compromise respiration. To alleviate excess gas, an ___ tube is sometimes inserted.

Orogastric tube

Gestation period for goats ranges between _ __-__ days.

145-152

Sheep are particularly prone to ______ which often occurs when sheep consume feed of cattle, poultry, or even goats.

Copper toxicity