Euthanasia of Beef Cattle

Most individuals who work with large domesticated livestock will encounter situations where an animal is unlikely to respond favorably to treatment. The likelihood of treatment failure, the potential for animal suffering and the presence of drug residues are considerations that can make euthanasia of an animal the best available option. This pamphlet is designed to aid producers, livestock market operators, animal transporters and veterinarians in making the appropriate decisions regarding euthanasia of cattle.

Individuals who work with livestock should read this pamphlet, discuss euthanasia options with a veterinarian and determine an action plan for livestock encountered in these situations. This action plan should be reviewed annually.

Euthanasia requires that the animal be rendered unconscious without distress or suffering prior to cessation of vital life functions. There are three physiological mechanisms for inducing euthanasia in cattle. Although several techniques exist for inducing euthanasia, all techniques will fall into one of the following categories:

• Physical disruption of brain activity caused by direct destruction of brain tissue (gunshot, penetrating captive bolt).

• Drugs that directly depress the central nervous system (anesthetics, barbiturates) and induce death by hypoxia.

• Agents that induce unconsciousness followed by mechanisms that induce hypoxia (narcotics followed by exsanguination).

Some Indications for Euthanasia

• Fractured leg (irreparable); severe trauma

• Loss of production and quality of life (severe mastitis, etc.)

• Inability to stand or walk (disabled livestock)

• Diagnostic (eg. potential for human disease, such as rabies)

• Advanced ocular neoplasia (cancer eye)

• Debilitating or toxic condition

• Cost of treatment prohibitive and poor prognosis

• Extended withdrawal time for sale of meat and poor prognosis

Decision Making

Actions involving debilitated, disabled, or injured cattle may fall into the following categories: treatment, slaughter, and euthanasia. Criteria to be considered in decision making should include:

1 Pain and distress of the animal

2 Likelihood of recovery

3 Ability to get to feed and water

4 Medications used on the animal

5 Drug withdrawal time

6 Economics

7 Condemnation potential

8 Diagnostic information

Considerations

When euthanasia is the most appropriate option, the following considerations must be made when choosing a method:

1 Human Safety:

The first consideration in the choice of euthanasia method is human safety. Obviously, the use of a firearm carries some danger. Some methods, such as a barbiturate overdose, usually result in a calm animal being euthanized quietly and easily.

2 Animal Welfare:

Any euthanasia method utilized should produce a quick and painless death. However, certain environments and animal behaviors may prevent the use of a more desired technique. Use the technique that is safest for humans and animals alike.

3 Restraint:

Availability of cattle chutes or other forms of restraint may make certain forms of euthanasia more practical than others. For example, it may not be possible to euthanize an adult cow using barbiturates without proper head restraint. Several methods, such as use of the captive bolt or gunshot, necessitate appropriate restraint capabilities and training. In all cases, firm but gentle restraint should be exercised.

4 Practicality:

An appropriate euthanasia technique must also be practical to use. Not all individuals working with cattle have legal access to drugs, such as barbiturates. Barbiturates require a federal license to store and use.

5 Skill:

Some techniques, such as use of the captive bolt, require some skill and training to accomplish correctly. Designated individuals should be appropriately trained in proper euthanasia techniques wherever cattle are kept.

6 Cost:

Some euthanasia techniques are more costly than others. However, other techniques (such as gunshot or captive bolt) require a larger initial investment, but continued use is very inexpensive.

7 Aesthetics:

Certain euthanasia techniques, such as use of a barbiturate overdose, may ‘appear’ more pleasing to the untrained eye than other techniques. Many techniques result in significant involuntary movements of the animal which may be misinterpreted as a voluntary painful response to those inexperienced in bovine euthanasia. Trained individuals should know how the animal responds to different euthanasia techniques.

8 Diagnostics:

When tissues from a euthanized animal are to be sent to a laboratory for testing, the euthanasia method may be critical ( such as avoiding damage to brain tissue in cases with rabies potential.)