48 Nebraska Cattleman October 2023 BQA By Jesse Fulton, M.S., Nebraska Beef Extension Educator Director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Don’t Throw Money Away at the Chute Fall is here, which means harvest time and, for cattle producers, the fall run. During this time of year, we see thousands of cattle moving across the country, entering different sectors of the cattle industry. With that comes receiving these cattle into their new home. Many producers may choose to provide new cattle with animal health treatment to ensure their health after the stress of transportation. This article will cover some basic Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) best management practices (BMPs) that producers can follow to help improve the effectiveness of any animal health therapies utilized when receiving new cattle. First, let’s think of the transportation period like running a marathon. When those animals step off the truck, they are exhausted, nutritionally depleted and susceptible to illness. Transportation can be one of the most stressful times for cattle. Additionally, when cattle receive a vaccine, we are challenging their immune system and asking it to build antibodies to fight future immune challenges. The stress that the animal might have been under during transportation may influence how the animal’s immune system reacts to an immune challenge. Therefore, we want to make sure animals are ready for an immune challenge brought on by a vaccine. One of the first things producers can do is to allow freshly received animals to rest before processing. This rest period can range from 24 to 72 hours. During this time, the animals should be provided with long-stem hay and have ad libitum access to fresh, clean water. This rest period allows the animals to settle and adjust to their new environment. While some operations have dedicated “receiving” pens, this may not be an option for your operation. You can choose to implement this resting period in the animals’ home pen. It is important to note the animals’ condition as they come off the truck and conduct further evaluation in the receiving pen to verify if any animals need immediate attention. Once cattle have rested, it is time to process them through the chute. During this time, it is the BMPs of the personnel processing these cattle that can have the greatest effect on how effectively the animal therapies perform. Because we have spent the money on animal health products, we want to ensure they do what they are intended to do. Animal health products should be protected from environmental elements and mishandling. Animal health products, especially vaccines, are fragile and can be damaged easily by the environment and improper handling, especially modified-live vaccines. Producers should always read the label and identify labeled uses, storage guidelines, route of administration and any other instructions. Additionally, producers need to make sure they do not expose animal health products outside of the labeled temperature ranges. Do not allow products to freeze and do not expose products to sunlight. CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 1/3 Page Horizontal Nebraska Cattleman 2-color Burke Show Cattle October 2023 BURKE SHOW CATTLE 42401 GG Road, Genoa, NE Females like her sell! 5 th Annual Production Sale Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 At the Ranch at Genoa, Neb. Tim Burke (402) 750-0440 • Cody Burke (402) 649-9735 Derek Vogt (308) 750-5216 Selling 100 Elite Head • Breds & Opens
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