FARM Animal Care Program - MDVA · I confirm my commitment to the highest standards of animal care...

© January 2017. Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperativ e Association, Inc.

www.mdv amilk.com | phone 703-742-6800 1 fax 757-952-2370

FARM Animal Care Program Standard Operating Procedures

Farm Name:

__________________________________________

© January 2017. Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperativ e Association, Inc. www.mdv amilk.com | phone 703-742-6800 1 fax 757-952-2370

National Dairy FARM Program Recommended Standard Operating Procedures

The purpose of these recommended Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is to ensure compliance with the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program. These SOPs are intended to serve as a template. Please consult with your veterinarian when developing these protocols.

Table of Contents 1. Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship Form 2. Animal Care Commitment and Employee Contract 3. Dairy Cattle Care Ethics Agreement 4. Animal Handling Sample Training 5. Emergency Response Form 6. Milking Protocol 7. Considerations for Culling and Transporting 8. Daily Observation Protocol 9. Lameness Prevention Protocol 10. Parasite, Pest, Fly and Air Quality Control Protocol 11. Vaccination Protocol 12. Animal Health Product Storage and Administration 13. Treatment Plan Log 14. Dystocia Protocol 15. Calving and Newborn Calf Care Protocol 16. Dehorning/ Disbudding Protocol 17. Paste Disbudding Protocol 18. Pain Management Protocol 19. Diseased or Injured Cattle Protocol 20. Treatment Protocol for Common Diseases 21. Non-Ambulatory/Downer Action Plan 22. Euthanasia Action Plan


Veterinary Client Patient Relationship Form

Farm Owner/Manager:

Owner/Manager Name:

Farm Address: City: State: Zip:

Premises ID Number (optional):

Veterinarian:

Name:

Address: City: Zip:

Clinic Name:

Phone Number: ( )


Veterinary Client Patient Relationship Form

I hereby certify that a valid Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR) is established for the above listed owner and will remain in force until canceled by either party. Upon execution of this Agreement and the establishment of the VCPR relationship, Producer, on behalf of himself and his present or past legal representatives, predecessors, successors, assigns, agents and heirs, hereby releases and forever discharges Veterinarian from any and all claims, actions, disputes, damages or demands, at law or in equity, that Producer could or may bring in regard to Producer’s participation in, or disqualification from the FARM program. Producer expressly waives any right or claim of right to assert hereafter that any claim in such regard has through ignorance, oversight or error, been omitted from the terms of this Agreement.” “In addition, upon execution of this Agreement and the establishment of the VCPR relationship, FARM, on behalf of itself and its present or past legal representatives, predecessors, successors, assigns, agents and affiliates, hereby releases and forever discharges Veterinarian from any and all claims, actions, disputes, damages or demands, at law or in equity, that FARM could or may bring in regard to Veterinarian’s participation in the VCPR relationship; or Producer’s participation in, or disqualification from the FARM program. FARM expressly waives any right or claim of right to assert hereafter that any claim in such regard has through ignorance, oversight or error, been omitted from the terms of this Agreement. Producer Signature: Veterinarian’s Signature:

2017 Date: _____ Date: ______________________________________

Producer Signature: Veterinarian’s Signature:

2018 Date: _____ Date: ______ Producer Signature: Veterinarian’s Signature:

2019 Date: _________ ____________ _____ Date:_____ ______________________ ______


Animal Care Commitment

At __ , we are committed to protecting the health and welfare of every animal on our farm, in every stage of life. We have documented animal care standards, defined operating procedures and written treatment protocols developed in consultation with our veterinarian, which we expect every employee to follow.

We provide every employee with comprehensive training on animal health, handling and welfare, and we expect employees to follow our animal care standards, procedures and protocols at all times.

Everyone at has a moral and ethical obligation to treat every animal humanely. If any employee, at any time, has a concern regarding any aspect of animal care on our farm, they are required to report the situation immediately to a manager, supervisor or owner.

Providing the best possible animal care is standard operating procedure, because our animals provide our livelihood. Doing what’s best for our animals is also what’s best for our employees, our business and our future.


Animal Care Commitment Employee Contract

It is our responsibility and job to take care of and respect all animals on our premises. This means to not unduly disturb animals from their daily/natural routines.

When working with animals at there will be no yelling, hitting or disrespect shown to the animals in any way.

It is the responsibility of all employees to report any mistreatment of animals to a supervisor immediately. Employees who mistreat animals can be dismissed immediately.

o I have read this Animal Care Commitment, and I am committed to providing

optimal care and respect for all animals.

o I understand that it is my obligation to immediately report any situation that appears to be mistreatment of animals.

o I understand that I may be dismissed immediately if I fail to report any situation

that appears to be mistreatment of animals.

2017 Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________________

2018 Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________________

2019 Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________________


Dairy Cattle Care Ethics Agreement

I confirm my commitment to the highest standards of animal care by hereby agreeing that proper animal care is the responsibility of every individual who is around animals, including me. I understand that animal abuse, neglect, harm and mishandling are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I will immediately report any signs of deliberate animal abuse, neglect, harm or mishandling to a supervisor or other individual(s) responsible for enforcement of proper animal care.

2017 Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________________

2018 Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________________

2019 Signature: ________________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________________


Sample Training Materials

Animal Handling SOP

Sample Training Document The health and proper care of the animals at_________ ________________ provides the foundation for our entire farm. Animals are to be treated in a way reflective of our farm’s commitment to sound animal care. The following policies and procedures have been established in regards to animal care and handling at . When handling/moving/loading/unloading animals:

The use of inanimate objects to move animals through direct contact between

object/animal is prohibited. The carrying of these objects while handling/moving/loading/unloading cattle are

prohibited. Red flags are permissible only if used to direct cows through disruption or vision or presence of sounds.

Punching and kicking is not permitted. When applicable, attempt to move cows by pushing them forward with all your weight,

using gates or other objects around you as leverage. When loading cattle onto a trailer, do not slam or aggressively use the trailer door to

load cattle. Simply bring the door around at the proper moment to inhibit moving space and close the door once all animals are loaded. If the last cow does not step up immediately, press your foot against the foot of the cow to get her to step up.

When unloading the cows, simply open the trailer wide as possible and make sounds to turn their attention to the open door. The cows will walk.

Do not be forceful or aggressive when moving or loading the cows. Instead of getting frustrated and upset with a stubborn cow, back her or the group out and restart the process.

If at all possible, try to avoid moving singular cows and instead move them with one or two others to decrease aggression.

When moving cows around corners, make every effort to move them slowly so as to prevent the cows from falling on concrete surfaces.



Animal Handling SOP

Sample Training Document

When handling cows in the parlor: In compliance with the previous policies, inanimate objects are not to be used.

Ideally when milking a fresh heifer for the first time, one person should be used to move

the cows from behind, and one person present in the pit to keep them moving. When only

one person is milking new fresh heifers, move the first heifer to the farthest stall. Continue

to load heifers one at a time.

If a cow is frequently kicking the milk off or posing a threat to an employee, have one

person press their hand against the cow’s leg and have the other person attach and hold

the milker. If that does not work, then one employee can stand in front of the cow in the

stall to move her back while the other attaches and holds the milker.

If a cow does not have her head in the stall correctly, make every effort to back her out of

the stall and then move her forward again.

With recently fresh cows, the plywood sheet provided in the parlor can be used to divert

cows into the stall. This is the only acceptable use of the plywood sheet and of an

inanimate object to move cattle. If there are ever any situations that cannot be resolved on your own or if you have concerns about how to properly handle a problem, call the head herdsman or owner for advice or assistance. At times, the help of a veterinarian also may be required. Violations of any of the aforementioned policies would constitute animal abusive behavior.

Although humane animal care is a priority for us, so is the safety of our employees. Employees are highly encouraged to use handling techniques that are both humane and safe. When handling cows,

be wary of the cow’s flight zone.



Calf Care Animal Handling Sample Training Document

The health and proper care of the animals at _________________________________ provides the foundation for our entire farm. Animals are to be treated in a way that is reflective of our farm’s commitment to sound animal care. The following policies and procedures have been established in regard to calf animal care and handling: Calves are to be fed twice daily. When calves must be tube-fed, the feeding will be done in a very gentle, patient manner

with special attention being paid to carefully placing the feeding tube down the esophagus and not the airway. If you need assistance, please ask for help instead of being forceful.

Same policy applies for bottle feeding. Patience, not aggression, is what will get the job done.

Newborn calves will be transported to the calf pens using the red cart. Calves are not to be carried this distance because of the risk of dropping.

Newborn calves will also be given no less than three quarts of colostrum milk within the first two hours after birth in addition to having their navels dipped with 7% iodine solution immediately after birth to prevent infection.

Calf pens are to be kept heavily bedded with wood shavings and straw at all times. When attempting to get a calf to stand, quickly pat the calf’s spine with your fingers. If

repeated attempts do not work, gently lift up the calf’s hind legs and set them under the calf, then gently lift the front legs and set them under the calf too.

Do not be forceful or aggressive with calves because it adds stress to the animal, which can magnify health complications or lead to new ones.

Frequently observe calves each day to check for had breathing, abnormal feces, droopy ears, or other symptoms of illness.

If there are ever any situations that cannot be resolved on your own or if you have concerns about how to properly handle a problem, call the head herdsman or the president of the company for advice or assistance. At times, the help of a veterinarian may also be required. Violations of any of the aforementioned policies would constitute animal abusive behavior.



Calving/Fresh Cow Care Protocol and Handling: Sample Training Document

Calving/fresh cow protocol may include the following:

Move cows/ heifers to individual or group calving pens when they are close to calving. After placing cow in calving pen, monitor her to ensure the delivery is progressing and

that the calf position is normal. For heifers/ cows that calve on pasture, monitor them to ensure the delivery is

progressing and that the calf position is normal. If assistance to the cow is needed, seek assistance from one of the trained people listed

above. Monitor the cow and calf after delivery to ensure the cow is up and cleaning the calf. If the cow has not risen within approximately 30 minutes, she may have experienced

nerve damage during calving. Contact a trained employee to make decisions about treatment of downer cows.

Check to be sure the cow has access to appropriate feed and water. Administer any fresh cow treatments which include:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other calving/fresh cow protocol include: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Newborn Calf Care Protocol and Handling Sample Training Document

Calving/fresh cow protocol may include the following: Monitor calf to make sure it gets up to nurse within first hour. Feed designated amount of colostrum within 4-6 hours (i.e. 1 gallon for Holstein calves, bulls and heifers) In severe cold, put calf in warmer box, under heat lamp, or in calf jacket Dip/spray umbilical cord with 7% iodine or other appropriate solution. Ear tag or identify calf in specified manner. Move calf to designated area by walking, carrying, or clean transport device. Administer any medications including:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Update records with calving information. Other calf care protocols to be followed, including:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

33 | P a g e

Posting the names and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in a prominent place in the animal facility in employees’ native languages is necessary to speed up communications in an emergency.

FARM NAME

FARM ADDRESS

OWNER/ MANAGER PHONE:

FOR GENERAL EMERGENCY SERVICES, CALL 9-1-1

LOCAL HERD VETERINARIAN

NAME: PHONE:

FEED DEALER

NAME: PHONE: MILK HANDLER/FIELD REPRESENTATIVE NAME: PHONE: MILK HAULER NAME: PHONE:

MILK EQUIPMENT DEALER

NAME: PHONE:

MACHINERY DEALER

NAME:

PHONE:

OTHER

CONTACTS

NAME:

PHONE:


Herd Health Plan

Standard Operating Procedure

Milking Procedures for: ____________________________________

STEP 1: _____________ _____________________________________________________________________________ STEP 2: ______________________________________________________________________ STEP 3: _______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ STEP 4: _______________________________________________________________________ STEP 5: _______________________________________________________________________ STEP 6: _______________________________________________________________________ STEP 7: ______________________________________________________________________ STEP 8: _______________________________________________________________________ STEP 9: _______________________________________________________________________


Sample SOP Materials

Milking SOP Example

1. Dry-wipe dirt and debris from the first cow’s udder with a dry towel. 2. Predip all four teats with the predip cup. 3. Strip two squirts of milk from each teat and observe for normal milk. 4. Dry off each teat with clean, dry towel – two towels per cow. Front teats first, then rear. 5. Repeat steps 1 -4 with the second, third and fourth cow on the same side. 6. Return to the first cow and attach milking unit. Move down the line in this order to attach four units. 7. Start procedure again at #1 on second group of four cows. 8. After units detach, use post-dip in “Thrifty dippers,” cover teat all the way up to udder floor. 9. DO NOT SPRAY WATER on floor while cows are in stalls – wait until they all exit all the way. Water on cows’ teats can cause Coliform Mastitis. Keep teats clean; do not splash water on udders as cows leave parlor. 10. Replace torn or dirty gloves as needed throughout milking, hands should always be clean. These ten steps are critically important to milk quality and must be followed by all milkers, all the time. When less than 15 degrees, wipe teat ends dry with a towel. At start of milking each cow, adjust hoses for comfortable, quiet milking position.

Hose must be horizontal. Report any abnormal milk or mastitis to ___________________________________

for follow-up inspection. Watch for cows way down in milk – write on board. Any cows limping – write on board. Cows in heat, note on board. Key to leg band colors- Red: treated cows, milk in pail.


Herd Health Plan

Considerations for Culling and Transporting Dairy Animals to Market:

1. Do not move non-ambulatory animals to market under any circumstances. 2. Make the decision to treat, to cull or to euthanize animals promptly. Sick and

injured animals should be segregated from the herd. 3. Delay transport of an animal that appears to be exhausted or dehydrated until

the animal is rested, fed and hydrated. 4. Milk all cows that are still lactating just prior to transporting to a packing plant or

a processing facility. 5. Use a transportation company that is knowledgeable about your animal care

expectations and provides for the safety and comfort of the animals during transport.

6. Do not transport animals to a packing or processing facility until all proper treatment withdrawal times have been followed.

7. Do not transport animals with a poor body condition, generally a Body Condition Score of less than 2 (1-5 scale).

8. Do not transport heifers or cows where calving is imminent and likely to occur during the transportation or marketing process.

9. Do not transport animals that require mechanical assistance to rise and walk, except, to receive veterinary treatment. When using any handling device, abuse is never tolerated.

10. Do not transport animals with bone fractures of the limbs or injuries to the spine. Animals with recent fracture unrelated to mobility should be culled and transported directly to a packing or processing facility.

11. Do not transport animals with conditions that will not pass pre-slaughter inspection at a packing or processing facility. If unsure, consult with your veterinarian before transporting an animal to a packing or processing facility.


Herd Health Plan

Daily Observations

Objective: To observe entire herd daily for any signs of disease or injury

Who are the trained employees responsible for daily observation of the following animals?

Milking Cows

Dry Cows

Heifers

Calves

Dairy Bulls

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

How many times per day are all animals observed for general appearance and any health issues?

How are feed and water intake monitored for all?

How many times per day are facilities managed for cleanliness and functionality for all animals?

What steps should be taken and who should be provided information if issues are observed?

(Ex: Sick or injured animals, feed or water issues, facility cleaning or maintenance needs, etc.)

Steps:

1. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Who to Notify:

Additional Protocols Specifications:


Herd Health Plan

Lameness Prevention Protocol

Hoof Trimmer Name: __________________________________________

Hoof Trimmer Phone: __________________________________________ Guidelines for a Lameness Prevention Protocol: A lameness prevention protocol may include the following: (Check all that apply)

Use of a chute to evaluate animal’s feet

Use of a trained hoof trimmer

Preventive trimming

Footbaths (managed and routinely cleaned, properly sized, located and charged with

compounds at the proper concentration)

Personnel trained in handling and treating lame animals

Use of pain management for animals with severe lameness

Provide non-slip flooring and/or chute flooring for the holding area for cattle being

trimmed

Provide water in the holding area for cattle being trimmed if animals are held for more

than four hours

Provide bedding in the holding areas for any lame animals waiting to be trimmed or just

having been trimmed

Directives for daily care of cows treated for foot problems

Cows observed to be in pain to be attended to within 24 hours

Cows observed to be lame pulled for evaluation

Cows scoring a 2 or 3 to be in the hospital pen and treated

Wrap evaluation and removal

Other


Herd Health Plan

Parasite, Pest and Fly Control Protocol Air Quality

Objective: To limit and reduce the amount of parasites, pests and flies.

Who are the employees trained to implement parasite, pest and fly control?

How often is routine facility sanitation conducted?

What ventilation systems are in place to address parasite, pest and fly control?

What type of parasite, pest and fly control methods are utilized and how often?

What systems are in place to minimize airborne particles to reduce odors, dust and/or noxious gases?

Additional Protocol Specifications:


Herd Health Plan

Vaccination Protocols

Calves and Heifers Name of Vaccine Route (Sub Q, IV, IM)

At birth:

<2 months of age:

4-6 months of age:

Pre-breeding:

Pre-calving:

Cows Name of Vaccine Route

At Calving:

30-60 days in milk:

At pregnancy:

Dry-off:

Close-up:

Bulls Name of Vaccine Route

On arrival:

Booster:


Herd Health Plan

Animal Health Product Storage and Administration Protocol

Objective: To ensure the proper handling, storage and administration of all cattle health products, and to ensure proper record keeping for all treatments. The primary goal is to keep animals comfortable and return them to health as soon as possible. RECEIVING HEALTH PRODUCTS Where and from whom are health products purchased?

Where/how are purchased health products inventoried and use records kept?

Where are health products stored?

Where are label specifications maintained for easy reference?

ADMINISTERING HEALTH PRODUCTS Who is authorized to administer health products?

How is proper medication use, dosage, route of administration, frequency and timing of administration, withdrawal period ensured?

Who is the herd veterinarian that authorizes any extra label use of a product?

At what frequency are animal health products checked to ensure that they are not expired?

How and where are any expired or contaminated products discarded?

Where are treatment details recorded?

Who is authorized to administer IV injections?

How often are needles expected to be changed out during treatment?

What steps are taken if a needle breaks in an animal during an injection?

AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF THE PRODUCT Where are unused animal health products stored upon completion of use?

Where/how are inventory updates recorded?

Where are unused needles stored?

Where are used sharps disposed?


Herd Health Plan

Sample Animal Treatment Plan Diagnosis

or Conditions

Treated

Antibiotic or Drug Used

Dose and Route

Length of Treatment

Withdrawal Time – Milk

Withdrawal Time – Meat

Appropriate Antibiotics Screening

Test


Herd Health Plan

Dystocia Standard Operating Procedure

Who are the employees trained to identify and assist during difficult calving?

What symptoms determine disease diagnosis?

What medical treatment is provided for the condition? For how long?

Where are treatments recorded?



Herd Health Plan

Newborn and Milk-Fed Calves ProtocolCALVING

Who are the trained employees

responsible for managing animals who are

Are cows and heifers to be moved to an

individual calving pen or stall when they are close

Who is to be consulted to determine if

calving intervention is required and proper assistance procedures are followed?

If a calving requires assistance, what are the approved tools and procedures to be followed?

Tools: 1.

2.

Procedures: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Once calf is born, what details (example: identification, sex, calving ease, etc.) are to be recorded and in what type of system (example: paper records, Dairy Comp, etc.)?

How often are calving pens cleaned and provided fresh bedding?


Herd Health Plan

Newborn and Milk-Fed Calves Protocol NEWBORN CALVES Who are the trained employees designated for calf care?

What type of navel disinfectant utilized immediately after birth?

What animal health products are administered to new born calves? (vaccinations, vitamins, etc.)

How much colostrum or colostrum replacer is provided and how is quality confirmed?

How long after birth are calves moved to their designated living area?

How are calves moved to their designated living area?

What living environment are calves housed in?

Is fresh water provided to calves at all times?

How much and at what frequency are calves fed milk or milk replacer?

What quantity and type of starter feed is provided to calves?

At what point are calves weaned and using what process?

OTHER PLANNED MEDICAL PROCEDURES (Castration, Extra Teat Removal, Etc.):

Who are the trained employees designated to conduct other planned medical procedure(s) for calves?

At what age are these procedures conducted?

What type of pain mitigation as recommended, by the herd veterinarian, is provided prior to and following the medical procedure(s)?

What method is utilized for the medical procedure(s)?

Special protections provided for calves after completion of medical procedure(s):


Herd Health Plan

Dehorning/Disbudding Protocol

Names of person(s) trained and ______________________________________________

authorized to perform dehorning: ______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

All animals will be disbudded/dehorned using methods which minimize pain to the animal, are appropriate for the animal age and fit within the herd’s management system. In general animals will be disbudded or dehorned as early as possible. The dehorning methods and protocols for each age group have been developed in consultation with our herd veterinarian.

Animal Age

Dehorning Method

Anesthetic

Fly Repellant

Calves up to 2 months

Animals over 2 months


Herd Health Plan

Checklist for Hot Iron Disbudding Disbudding, which is performed at less than 8 weeks of age, is greatly preferred over dehorning, performed at more than 8 weeks of age. Disbudding can be performed as early as 1-3 days of age, but should be completed before 8 weeks. The checklist below is a summary only. Your herd veterinarian can assist you in developing a program for these procedures which will minimize pain, stress and post-operative health complications. This can include the use of local anesthesia and pain relievers. Only employees listed on the front of this sheet and who are trained in the proper use of

disbudding or dehorning will perform those procedures. Pain relief is recommended at all ages and at any time amputation or a hot iron is used.

Pain relief can be in the form of a lidocaine cornual nerve block or a ring block around

the horn. Your veterinarian can instruct your staff on these procedures.

No matter if the cauterizing iron is heated by fire, propane, battery or AC current, the barrel must be larger than the horn bud so that a complete ring of tissue around the horn bud base is cauterized. Workers should wear gloves to protect their hands.

If the calf is not sedated, then its head must be completely restrained by a halter or other

device in head locks or hutches. Inadequate restraint results in excessive tissue damage and increased processing time. The calf’s ear should be held out of the way.

Preheat the cauterizing iron to a red color. The iron should be hot enough to produce an

even and complete circle when applied to a piece of wood for 2-3 seconds. Place the hot iron over the horn, hold it with firm pressure. After the hair starts burning,

rotate the iron around the bud to evenly distribute the heat. Continue the application until a copper-colored ring of cauterized tissue encircles the

bud, but no longer then about 10-20 seconds. Excessively long application may allow enough heat to be transferred through the skull to damage the brain.

Inspect the calves after 30 minutes and cauterize any arteries that are still bleeding. Left

alone the horn bud should fall off within 4 to 6 weeks.


Herd Health Plan

Disbudding Using Paste – Standard Operating Procedure Name of Person(s) Trained: ______________

Items Needed:

Rope halter Disbudding paste Bag balm, udder butter

balm Cordless, hand-held

clippers

Milker gloves Popsicle stick, small toothbrush Baby wipes, wet paper towels

Product Recommendations: Best results if disbudded the same day the calf is born or before 3 days of age. By day 3, calves have figured out how to scratch at the head with the hooves or rub against surfaces that can smear the paste and cause harm to other areas. Do not use the paste if raining or if rain is in the forecast. Do not allow calves to get wet for 20-24 hours once paste is applied. Do not overuse paste – a dime-nickel size amount is enough to disbud the area. Overusing causes an unnecessary bald spot around the horn area which will eventually grow hair back. Apply paste before feeding. Use a sharpie marker to outline the bud so that you don’t apply paste to too large of an area. Paste Facts: The paste used during disbudding is very caustic and can burn the human and/or animal skin if it isn’t immediately removed with a wet cloth. If paste is used and a rain storm should pop up, keep the calf out of the rain to prevent the paste from running into the eyes and others parts of the head. Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Secure the calf with the halter. Pasting is safest and easiest with two people - have one person secure the calf while the other performs the disbudding process.

2. After the calf is secured by the other person, locate the buds using your finger to feel for the small buds. 3. Using your cordless, hand-held clippers, shave the hair in the area of the bud, removing about a 1 4. ½ inch area of hair around the bud. 5. Apply the bag balm in a circular area around the area you will be applying the disbudding paste. Note: The

disbudding paste will not work where the bag balm has been spread, so make sure to not apply the bag balm within the desired disbudding area.

6. Put on the milker gloves to ensure your skin is protected from the disbudding paste. 7. Using a Popsicle stick, toothbrush or your gloved fingers, rub a dime-sized amount of disbudding paste

onto the desired disbudding area. Be careful to not use too much – the paste only needs to be thick enough to hide the hair and skin.

8. Using a baby wipe or wet paper towel, remove any paste that may have been accidently spread outside of the desired disbudding area. The halter can be removed at this point.

9. It is recommended you feed your calf milk/colostrum or milk replacer to keep the calf occupied as the paste begins to work

Additional Resources: http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/20420/pnw626.pdf http://www.hoards.com/E_calf_heifer/CH05 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1KcieP5H-E&feature=share

http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/20420/pnw626.pdf

http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/20420/pnw626.pdf

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1KcieP5H-E&amp%3Bfeature=share

Step 5: Put on milker

Step 6: Using a Popsicle stick,

area.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Secure the calf with a halter. Have one person secure calf while another completes the disbudding process.

Step 2: The person performing the disbudding process should locate the calf’s buds with his/her fingers.

Step 3: Using cordless clippers, remove 1 ½ inches of hair around the bud area.

Step 4: Apply bag balm around the bud area, being careful not to apply in/on the intended disbudding

gloves to ensure your skin is protected from the disbudding paste.

toothbrush or gloved fingers, rub a dime-sized amount of paste onto the desired disbudding area being careful to not use too much.

Step 7: Using a baby wipe or wet paper towel, remove any paste that may have been accidently spread outside of the desired disbudding area.

Step 8: Keep an eye on the calf for 15-30 minutes to make sure it doesn’t rub the paste off onto to other Body parts.


Herd Health Plan

Pain Management Protocol Objective: To reduce, minimize or eliminate any pain that may be experienced by an animal due to medical procedures or natural occurrence of injury or disease Who are the employees trained to identify signs of pain?

If an animal is in pain, what type of pain mitigation is administered?

How is the animal monitored to determine if additional pain mitigation is needed?

Where is pain mitigation treatment recorded?



Herd Health Plan

Diseased or Injured Cattle Protocol

Objective: To provide treatment and supportive care to assist in the recovery or rehabilitation of animals suffering from disease or injury Who are the employees trained to identify prognosis of disease or injury?

Who are the employees trained to manage diseased or injured cattle?

If the animal is unlikely to recover, what is the process to determining either animal marketing or euthanasia?

Where are diseased/injured animals moved to be segregated from the herd?

What equipment is used to move the animal to the area of segregation?

What medical care and pain mitigation is provided to diseased/injured animals?

Where are treatments recorded? How are water and feed provided to diseased/injured animals?

How and who is responsible for the determination of improvement, additional treatment, re-entry back into the herd or euthanasia made?

Additional Protocol Specifications


Herd Health Plan

Diseased or Injured Cattle Protocol

Disease/Sickness Prevention and Treatment Protocols

Mastitis

Metritis

Milk Fever

Ketosis

Displaced Abomasum

Pneumonia

Infectious Diarrhea


Herd Health Plan

Non-Ambulatory/Downer Action Plan

Person(s) authorized to approve either downer care or euthanasia:

Person(s) trained and authorized to move downers: All downer cows will be treated as a medical emergency, as every hour that a downer cow remains on concrete reduces her chances of recovery. The person(s) listed above are authorized to make the decision to either move the cow to a safe, soft location or perform immediate euthanasia as needed. They are also trained in the use of the equipment necessary to move the down cow. Animal Age

Method of Movement*

Location on Farm For Care

Physical Therapy Method§

Calves (up to weaning age)

Young-stock & Adults

*Methods to move calves include a wheel barrow, cart, ATV and simply carrying or walking the animals. It is never appropriate to drag calves by the ears or tail

Methods to move adult cattle include a sled, stone boat, cow sling, and gently rolling her into the bucket of a front end loader. It is never appropriate to drag or push cattle with the exceptions of moving her a short distance out of an inaccessible space such as a free-stall or milking stanchion.

§Methods which can be used to minimize muscle and nerve damage in the down legs include: hip lifts, cow slings, float tanks and rolling the cow from side to side every several hours.


Herd Health Plan

Non-Ambulatory/Downer Action Plan

MOVING AND HANDLING Who are the employees trained to manage non-ambulatory animals?

If the animal is unlikely to recover, what is the process to determining necessary euthanasia?

What equipment is used to move the non- ambulatory animal?

How many employees are to assist with moving non-ambulatory animals?

Where are non-ambulatory animals moved to be segregated from the rest of the herd?

TREATMENT Who are the employees trained for non-ambulatory animal treatment?

How are water and feed provided to non-ambulatory animals?

What medical care and pain mitigation is provided to non-ambulatory animals?

Where are treatments recorded?

What additional methods of rehabilitation are used for non-ambulatory animals?

How and who is responsible for the determination of improvement, additional treatment, re-entry back into the herd or euthanasia made?


Herd Health Plan

EUTHANASIA ACTION PLAN

Names of person(s) authorized

to approve animal euthanasia:

Names of person(s) trained and

authorized to perform euthanasia:

Where is the reason for mortality recorded (log of mortalities):

Rendering or disposal service (phone):

All animals will be evaluated by the trained and authorized person(s) listed above for prognosis. Once the decision has been made that euthanasia is the most humane treatment for the animal, euthanasia will be performed promptly utilizing the checklist outlined on the reverse of this page. Once the animal has been confirmed dead, the animal will be transported to the appropriate deadstock storage area to await removal.

Animal Age Euthanasia Method of

Choice Alternate Euthanasia

Method

Calves (up to weaning age)

Youngstock (weaning to 850 pounds)

Adult Bulls

Cows


Herd Health Plan

CHECKLIST FOR EUTHANASIA The checklist is a summary only and not in itself adequate or complete information for the safe use of either a firearm or a captive bolt device. The use of either a firearm or a captive bolt device without receiving specific training could result in serious injury or death to operators or other farm employees.

Figure from Shearer & Nicoletti: Humane Euthanasia of Sick, Injured, and/or Debilitated Livestock, University of Florida EUTHANASIA BY FIREARM or CAPTIVE BOLT DEVICE (CBD) Only persons l isted on the front of this sheet can authorize euthanasia to be performed. Only employees trained and certified on the front of this sheet will perform euthanasia.

The employee will remove the firearm from its locked storage area and carry it to the animal’s location. The firearm or CBD will be unloaded during storage and transportation to the animal.

With the firearm safety on, the employee will load a single round (or blank in the case

of the CBD) and position it according to the diagram above. No other employee is to be positioned in front of or near the firearm operator or the animal to be euthanized.

After discharging the firearm, it will be placed in a safe location (such as its storage box) while the animal is

monitored for death: Absence of breathing, Absence of the sound or feel of a heartbeat under the elbow. No blink reflex when the clear part of the eye is touched.

With the CBD it may take several minutes for death to occur. Muscle twitching or paddling movements may

be observed shortly after death. If after 5-10 minutes death cannot be confirmed or the animal regains consciousness, then the process is repeated. Unconscious animals can also be pithed or bled out according to the herd veterinarian’s instructions.

Only after death is confirmed is the animal transported to the disposal area.

The firearm or CBT is confirmed to be unloaded, it is transported back to its secure locked location. A

regular cleaning and maintenance program for the device is in place.


Sources:

Dairy CARE 365 MERCK Animal Health

National FARM Program Dairy CARE 365 MERCK Animal Health California Quality Assurance Program

Penn State Dairy Extension

More resources are available online at www.mdvamilk.com and by contacting your Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Field Representative.

FARM Animal Care Program - MDVA · I confirm my commitment to the highest standards of animal care...

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