Resources

Dentition is the development of teeth and their arrangement in the mouth.91 For many years, producers, veterinarians, and exhibitors have used dentition to make general age determinations. Dentition will vary from herd-to-herd and animal-to-animal, because of the animal’s genetics, diet, and the varied geographical locations in which they are raised. When the age of an…

Regardless of the production methods incorporated on a facility, records of all drugs used including immunizations, anthelmintics (dewormers), antibiotics, implants, etc. should be recorded. Farmers are encouraged to keep and maintain records on all animals for pertinent production parameters, vaccinations given, and any other drug treatments. Health treatment records are necessary to prevent the harvest…

Records are essential when raising animals for food production. To ensure consumer confidence and maintain the marketability of meat products, livestock owners need to document the safety of their product. Through effective recordkeeping, producers can strengthen consumer confidence by demonstrating tight control over potential risk factors. Recordkeeping also provides a tool for producers to monitor…

Non-amenable animal species that are difficult to load, transport and handle can be killed directly on-farm. This is typically limited to buffalo, bison and some cervids (deer and elk). However if the farmer is having the animals processed at a USDA inspected establishment, the livestock must be presented alive for USDA inspection. Animals entering the…

Shrinkage or shrink refers to the amount of live weight an animal loses from the time the animal is gathered for transport to the slaughterhouse until it is slaughtered. Livestock coming off lush pastures will show live weight losses shortly after being taken off feed because the feed passes through them faster than dried forages…

Regulations require livestock to have access to water at all times. If animals are held longer than 24 hours, animals must have access to feed that is appropriate for the age and species. If animals are held overnight, they must have enough room to lie down without being forced to lie on top of one…

Some farmers actively engage in transporting animals for other farmers and for their customer. If the animal is purchased by the farmer-transporter a domestic animal health permit will be required, and depending on the financial volume of animals bought and sold a wholesaler’s license (Article 20 Farm Products Dealer License) may be needed as well.…

The number of animals that can be humanely transported in a given trailer depends on several factors.81 More space is required per animal during hot weather as compared to cold weather. Unshorn sheep and horned or antlered livestock require more space than short haired or polled animals. Ideally, animals should be similar in weights and…

In March of 2009, the USDA FSIS published a final rule to amend the federal meat inspection regulations, requiring a complete ban on the slaughter of cattle that become non-ambulatory after passing initial FSIS inspection.75 All cattle that are non-ambulatory disabled (“downer cattle”) at any time prior to slaughter at an official establishment, including those…

When transporting animals, cold and wet conditions should be avoided whenever possible. These conditions are stressful on the animal and can cause illness. Wet animals are much more susceptible to wind chill than dry animals. Young animals or animals with poor body reserves are also more susceptible. During hot weather, haulers should try to time…