Euthanasia Action Plan for Cattle and Calves

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Euthanasia Action Plan for Cattle and Calves

Author:	Gerrit Rietveld - Animal Care Specialist/OMAFRA
Creation Date:	30 October 2003
Last Reviewed:	16 May 2008

Work with your veterinarian to develop a euthanasia action plan appropriate for each species and stage of production on your farm. This plan should be kept in an obvious location in the barn. Review the plan with any new employees and annually with all staff and your veterinarian.

Farm Name: _________________________________________________

Date: ____________________ Prepared by: _______________________

Phase of Production	Euthanasia Method	Alternative Method
Calves
Heifers and Steers
Mature Cows
Bulls

Important Telephone Numbers:

Veterinarian: _________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________

After Hours/Emergency: ________________________________________
Transporter: _________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________
Non-ambulatory Transporter: ____________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________
Deadstock Removal: __________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________

***************

Adapted from Ontario Pork's booklet On-Farm Euthanasia of Swine: Options for the Producer.

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Methods of On-farm Euthanasia and Their Considerations
Method		Human Safety	Animal Welfare	Skills Required	Cost	Other
Overdose by Barbiturate	Intravenous administration of a barbiturate	Restrain the animal	Excellent rating	Proper technique for intravenous injection	Veterinary fee	Can only be administered by licenced veterinarian Inform your deadstock collector of the drug residue in the carcass
Penetrating Captive Bolt	Penetration of the skull and brain by captive bolt, followed with bleed-out by cutting all the main arteries and veins in the neck	Restrain the animal Be cautious of falling or thrashing animals	Good rating Correct cartridge strength, target site and penetration angle on animal are essential	Correct and safe use of captive bolt pistol Correct and safe use of sharp knife	Low - after purchase of captive bolt pistol	Results in some body movement Results in large volume of blood that requires proper disposal
Gunshot	Penetration of the skull and brain by bullet	Restrain the animal Be cautious of falling or thrashing animals Be extremely cautious about bullet ricochet	Good rating Correct size of firearm and ammunition, and correct target site and penetration angle on animal are essential	Correct and safe use of firearm	Low - after purchase of firearm	Results in some body movement and blood Requires firearm acquisition certificate Local by-laws may prohibit the use of firearms

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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca