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Beef Quality Assurance Producer Training and Certification The “Wholesale” Cuts of BQA Beef Check Off Funded Pre-harvest Management Program Maximizes Consumer Confidence Positive for Producers and Consumers What is Beef Quality Assurance? The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program was established in 1987 by The Beef Checkoff to provide cattle producers with the tools and training necessary to assure animal health and well-being as well as provide a safe, quality product. Essentially, the purpose of BQA is to protect consumer confidence in beef safety and quality. What is Beef Quality Assurance? The BQA Certification program is based on recommended national guidelines and scientific research. More than 90% of U.S. cattle management is influenced by BQA. -”Agriculture’s Commitment to Animal Wellbeing” Animal Agricultural Alliance Mid-Atlantic BQA Alliance The Mid-Atlantic BQA Alliance is a unified effort by BQA programs in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Maine, Vermont and New Jersey to provide similar training and standards. While each state program has its own components, the program cores are the same for each respective state across the nation. From the Field to the Fork: THE IMPORTANCE OF BQA Why is BQA Necessary? Allows all sectors of the cattle industry to take responsibility for the production of a safe food product through proper animal care, handling, and management practices. BQA is Important for Two Reasons: BQA Positively Affects Consumer Confidence BQA Meets Industry Quality Challenges Don’t let misinformation These are images that consumers see on TV, the internet and in the news. It mightdefine be the only YOU connection to agriculture. asthey a have beef producer! Consumer Confidence in beef can significantly affect consumer eating habits, which impacts the future of our industry. “When better quality beef reaches the supermarket, consumers are more confident in the beef they are buying, and this increases beef consumption. ” -National BQA Program BQA helps the industry overcome quality challenges Beyond safety, the economic importance of BQA can be seen when analyzing the top quality challenges in the production of beef. The 2000 National Beef Quality Audit showed that the industry lost an average of 5-10 % $100 for every fed steer or heifer marketed. Quality Challenges Include: •Inconsistent size of meat cuts •Non-uniform cattle •Injection site blemishes •Branding •Excessive external fat •Excessive seam fat •Inadequate muscling •Dark cutters Good production practices can reduce, if not eliminate, the occurrence of quality problems. Where and How To Administer Treatment: VACCINE AND DRUG PRACTICES Injection Site Damages and Costs Injection site blemishes (lesions) cost the beef industry MILLIONS annually, meaning that producers lose $$$ per head per year in the value of the steers and heifers marketed. All intramuscular injections create permanent damage, no matter the age of the animal at the time that the product was given. At the very least, tenderness is reduced in a 3-inch area surrounding the injection site. Injection Sites and Techniques To lessen injection-site defects in economically important cuts of beef, the preferred site for all subcutaneous (SQ) or intramuscular (IM) injections is the neck region. REMEMBER: Whenever possible, choose products formulated and labeled for SQ rather than IM injections. Other Important Things To Consider When Administering Vaccines 1. PROPER RESTRAINT & FACILITIES 2. ALL INJECTIONS IN THE NECK REGION 3. USE PRODUCTS LABELLED FOR SQ ADMINISTRATION Do not contaminate modified live virus products with disinfectants (such as rubbing alcohol) 4. USE PROPER NEEDLE SIZE Subcutaneous: Needle Gauge: 16-18 Length: ¾-1 inch (3/4 if Tent Technique is not used) Intramuscular: Needle Gauge: 16-20 Length: 1- 1 ½ inches long 5. USE SHARP NEEDLES Change needles every 10-15 head or with every automatic dosing syringe refill 6. 10 cc PER SITE - LESS FOR CALVES 7. IF GIVING MULTIPLE INJECTIONS, MAKE THEM AT LEAST 5 INCHES APART Understanding Drug Classifications • Over the Counter Drugs – Can be purchased from multiple sources and must be used as directed on the label. – Producers are not allowed to change the dose or give the drug by any other route. • Prescription Drugs – Has significant potential for toxicity in humans or animals that may have a unique method of use or which requires other special consideration for its use. – Can only be used or dispensed only by or on order by a veterinarian • Extra Label Use of Drugs – The actual or intended use of a drug in a manner that is not in accordance with the label. – Used by the professional judgment of veterinarians under certain conditions. Antibiotic Usage Changes, 2016 • Before a producer can obtain medically important antibiotics (for example chlortetracycline in Aureomycin®) crumbles for his calves or pigs, he will have to obtain a VFD (Veterinary Feed Directive) form filled out by his veterinarian. • The form will specify the farm and animals to be treated, the duration of treatment, and which drug is to be used. The feed mill or distributor would need to have a properly completed VFD before they could supply the feed. Antibiotic Usage Changes, 2016 • In order for a veterinarian to sign a VFD there must exist a “Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship” or VCPR. While this concept is not new, veterinarians who have dispensed drugs according to the “Extra-Label” rule have done so with a valid VCPR, this application of the regulation is new. In order for a valid VCPR to exist: – The veterinarian must have assumed responsibility for the treatment of the animals – The producer must have agreed to follow the veterinarian’s instructions Antibiotic Usage Changes, 2016 • Requirements for VCPR: – The veterinarian must have sufficient knowledge of the patient to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the patient by virtue of a timely examination of the patient by the veterinarian, or medically appropriate and timely visits by the veterinarian to the operation where the patient is managed. – The veterinarian must be readily available for follow-up evaluation or have arranged for veterinary emergency coverage, and continuing care and treatment. – The veterinarian must provide oversight of treatment, compliance, and outcome. – The veterinarian and the producer must cooperate to be sure adequate records are maintained Drug Withdrawal Times This is the period of time that must pass between the last treatment and the time the animal will be harvested or milk can be sold. Managing Implants • Use antiseptic on the needle between every use. (Less abscesses) • Currently there are no withdrawal times for FDA approved implants • Check implant site whenever cattle are worked and document results for future reference in implant management decisions. • Livestock Feeds and the Feed Supply • Maintaining Quality Through Nutrition: Maintaining Quality Feedstuffs • Monitor for molds and mycotoxins, a fungal agent that is toxic if ingested – Symptoms : loss of appetite, poor weight gain, feed refusal, diarrhea, bleeding and unthriftiness. •Ask supplier about their quality control programs •Ask for assurances that feed does not have contaminants •i.e. pesticides that may cause residue problems All suspicious feedstuffs should be analyzed prior to feeding! Ruminant Feed Ban prohibits the use of proteins from ruminants in feeds intended for ruminant consumption. Exceptions include: Ultimately, the producer is responsible for knowing and complying with any changes to the regulations of the Ruminant Feed Ban. •Pure porcine or pure equine protein •Blood and blood by-products •Gelatin •Milk products (milk and milk protein) •Inspected meat products that have been cooked and offered for human food and further heat processed for animal feed use. * Use only FDA approved products Remember: feed additives can’t be used in an “extra label” manner – it’s the law! * Pesticide/herbicide should be used according to the label on pasture or crops. Always observe withdrawal times, including feed you may sell. • Maintain records for at least 3 years. Should include: source of feed, date of purchase, and quantity bought. We practice these procedures to avoid any violative residues in final beef products. Feed Additives and Medications Feed Storage and Handling Do not contaminate feeds with manure during feeding. • Do not allow moisture, rodents, and birds to contaminate the feed supply • Never store chemicals, petroleum products or other potentially hazardous materials in areas where feed is stored, mixed or processed. • When equipment is used for non-feed purpose, clean before using for feeding purpose (e.g. Front-end loader) Quality and Consistency: IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON CARCASS QUALITY IDEAL CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS Carcass Weight 600 to 999 lbs Brands No Hot Brands Rib Eye Area 11.0 to 15.0 sq in Yield Grade Less than or equal to 3 Quality Grade >Select, A-Maturity, No Dark Cutters There are many management practices that contribute to the quality of the final beef product Importance of Genetics Breeding and selection practices significantly impact muscling, as it is one of the most highly heritable genetic traits. Cutability is reduced by both inadequate muscling and excessive external fat What do these things have in common? Flooring Horns Protruding Objects Gates Fence Posts Dehorn at an early age Install fence railing on the cattle side of posts Prevent cattle from colliding with gates Eliminate broken boards, nails, and exposed bolts from cattle facilities Ways to Prevent Bruising Install grooved concrete floors or scored rubber padding in high traffic areas The Cost of Dark Cutters Pre-harvest stress depletes muscle glycogen stores, resulting in an end product that is dark, firm and dry. Crowding in Pens or Trailers Disposition with Genetics Length of Time Between Reimplanting and Harvest Mixing Different Groups of Cattle Changes in the Weather or Environment Time Before Slaughter in Feedlots Cull Animals in the Food Supply: QUALITY ASSURANCE OF MARKET COWS AND BULLS Why Should BQA Apply to Cull Animals? The sale of market cows and bulls accounts for 25% of all U.S. beef consumption. The income from the sale of cull animals provides 15-20 % of gross herd revenue. Producers should view their cull animals as part of the food supply and apply BQA standards to all animals, even in dairy and cow/calf operations. Strategies for Marketing Cull Cows • Prevent Damage – dehorning, evaluating facilities, mindful transportation and handling techniques all discourage bruising – External parasite control practices and proper branding methods (marking high on the hip) prevents hide damage • Body Condition -Feed cull animals for a brief period prior to marketing -Monitor for early signs of lameness -Provide dry off time for lactating cows prior to marketing Basics to Remember When Culling 1. Manage cattle to minimize defects and quality deficiencies. 2. Monitor the health and condition of market cows and bulls to improve herd profitability 3. Market in a timely manner to lessen occurrences of disabled cattle, cancer eye, lameness, and emaciation. By incorporating best management practices, beef and dairy producers improve beef value, the industry’s public image, and their bottom line. Positively impacting cattle health, welfare, and productivity CATTLE CARE: HANDLING AND FACILITIES What is it? Handling practices that impact cattle health, welfare, and productivity Why is it important? Ensures the welfare for both animals and producers while improving beef quality and producer profitability BQA Handling Techniques Who should be responsible? Any and all individuals who work with livestock Where should it be applied? Pastures, working facilities, feedlots, and livestock markets When do you do it? Whenever cattle are gathered for husbandry procedures (i.e. health care, weighting, sorting, weaning, transportation) Understanding Cattle Behavior: Ways to Reduce Stress Vision • Wide angle vision field in excess of 300 degrees • Solid walls on loading ramps and handling chutes prevents animal from seeing distractions • Eliminate shadows and have animals move from dark to light to encourage easier handling Hearing Loud noises should be avoided near working facilities. However, small amounts of noise are appropriate to move cattle. Curved Chutes and Solid Fences There are two important aspects of using these facilities: 1. Prevents animals from seeing the end of the chute 2. Takes advantage of cattle’s natural tendency to circle around a handler Remember: Patience is a virtue when handling cattle! Avoid injury to animals (and people!) by handling cattle in a quiet, calm manner. Understanding the Flight Zone Forward Backward Important things to remember: • Size of flight zone depends on the animal • The best place for a handler to work is on the edge of the flight zone • To move an animal forward, the handler must be behind the point of balance. To move backward, the handler must be in front. Other Tips for Efficient Handling • Design and operate • Use One-Way gates alleys/gates to avoid • Quiet handling is impeding cattle essential movement • Work cattle in groups • Avoid slippery surfaces • Call cattle rather than drive them Things to Consider When Constructing a Handling Facility • How accessible are pasture and other facilities to the area? • What is the breed, size, and number of cattle? •Is the area level and will it be able to drain easily? •Is the loading area suitable for all weather? Components of a Good Handling Facility Loading Chute Working Chute Crowding Pen Squeeze Chute Headgate Holding Pen *Scales (Not Pictured in Diagram) Component 1: Headgate • Most important part of facility • Needs to be sturdy, safe, and easy to operate • Should work smoothly and quietly • Recommended types: Self Catching and Full-Opening with a Straight Bar Component 2: Squeeze Chute • Located and secured directly behind headgate • Should adjust to size of animal, but not any wider than 26 inches • V-Shaped sides support cattle from going down or choking in the chute • 2 foot service gate at the back of the chute is desired for such procedure as castrating, pregnancy testing, etc. Component 3: Working Chute • Leads cattle from crowding pen to squeeze chute • Creates a single file line • Solid walls prevent cattle from being distracted or spooked • Narrow path prevents turning around or balking Component 4: Crowding Pen • Located at the back of the working chute • Should be 150 square feet (holds 6-10 head of cattle) • Circular with solid sides is recommended • Solid crowding gate is used to push cattle into the working chute Component 5: Holding Pen • Should be located to fit conveniently into the rest of the facility • Should provide approximately 20 square feet per animal Component 6: Loading Chute • Located directly off of crowding pen to allow easier movement of cattle • A curved approach prevents animals from seeing truck • Maximum incline of chute ramp: 30% • Chute should be at least 12 feet long, 26-30 inches wide Additional Component: Scales • Used for performance testing, determining sale weights, and administer medicine per pound • Single animal scales are beneficial for determining rate of gain • Should be located where animals can be easily moved on and off (either in working chute or squeeze chute) Safety First PERSONAL SAFETY CATTLE SAFETY •Use experienced people •Construct catwalk •Service gates •Watching for kicks •Stay alert •Sort cows from calves •Treat cattle with respect •Remove sharp objects •Safety Passes •Use products carefully •Properly restrain cattle *Carefully Review Page 32 of Producer Certification Manual* Consider how to OUT-THINK cattle, not OUT-WRESTLE them. Don’t let this be you! Avoiding Stress During Cattle Movement: TRANSPORTATION Transportation Quality Assurance Guidelines Cattle will perform better and yield higher quality beef when their exposure to stress is limited by careful handling and transportation. Pre-transit planning benefits both consumers and the cattle being hauled Transportation Quality Assurance Guidelines 1. Driver Attitude and Professionalism – – – – Act Responsibly Show Concern for Animal Welfare Use Proper Tone of Voice Control Emotion Transportation Quality Assurance Guidelines 2. Animal Handling Procedures – Make safety a primary concern – Move animals into small groups, sorted by size or gender – Eliminate aggressive handling and use proper sorting tools (i.e. brooms or paddles) – Work with natural instinct of cattle Transportation Quality Assurance Guidelines 3. Transit Precautions and Animal Evaluation – – – – – Be aware of extreme weather conditions Minimize the amount of time animals spend in trailer During long hauls, stop occasionally to observe cattle wellbeing Evaluate animal illness and condition before loading Have an emergency response plan of action Transportation Quality Assurance Guidelines 4. Equipment Condition – – – – – Verify that all equipment is in good working order Use properly designed ramps/chutes Consider spacing requirements to avoid overcrowding Prevent slippery surfaces, shiny objects, and sharp edges that could scare or harm cattle Adhere to all state and federal weight limits and guidelines Transportation Quality Assurance Guidelines 5. Biosecurity Practices – Thoroughly clean and disinfect trailer after each unloading – Have a written protocol for trailer sanitation – Use clean bedding for trailer and chute areas – Utilize disposable coveralls, boots, and gloves to prevent disease spread – Prohibit animals exhibiting symptoms of disease from entering trailer Implementing a plan for disease prevention: BIOSECURITY What is Biosecurity? “Biosecurity is a system of management procedures designed to prevent or greatly reduce the risk for introduction of new disease to a cattle operation.” - Mid Atlantic Beef Quality Assurance Producer Certification Manual An effective biosecurity plan will involve the producer, employees, a veterinarian, and possibly other specialists. A plan will require education of farm visitors and may include physical barriers. Sources of New Disease New disease can enter your herd in a variety of ways: Contact with Other Cattle (i.e. shows, fairs, replacements, bulls, neighboring cattle acrossManure the fence) on footwear, clothing, equipment tires, trailer Water accessible to cattle (such as ponds Humans or pools of standing water) moving between herds or farms Non Livestock including pets, birds, deer, coyotes, Feed rodents, ticks, and other insects contaminated with feces, urine, mold, or ruminant by-products Animals New to Your Herd • Know the herd health status of herds supplying replacements • Obtain health/vaccine history of new cattle • Isolate new animals from herd for 2-4 weeks (no contact through feed, water, or nose-to-nose during this time) • Observe health status of new herd each day • Use your veterinarian as a resource to learn about health at the farm of origin Essentially, the goal is to prevent disease from ever entering the operation and to minimize the risk of infection if it does occur. Even the best cowboys can’t save them all: NON-AMBULATORY CATTLE Caring for “Downer” Cattle Injury, disease, or nutrition related disorders are all ways that an animal may become nonambulatory or a “downer” animal. Prompt care and diagnosis for non-ambulatory cattle is the responsibility of livestock owners and caretakers. Euthanasia Humane death without pain and suffering Indications for Euthanasia: – Fractured leg/severe trauma – Loss of production and quality of life ( i.e. severe mastitis) – Diagnostic (potential for human disease, i.e. rabies) – Advanced ocular neoplasia (cancer eye) – Debilitating or toxic condition – Extended withdrawal time for sale of meat and poor prognosis Disposal Producers should use proper methods of carcass disposal that are in accordance to local, state, and federal regulations. If utilizing a rendering service, keep deceased animals from public view, but near entrance of farm for biosecurity purposes. REMEMBER: Non-ambulatory cattle CANNOT be sent to a livestock market or processing facility. This online Virgina Cooperative Extension Publication, #2909-1412, can provide more suggestions. For further resources on Farm Animal Euthanasia, consult the Producer Certification Manual or follow this link for an online version of the following book: http://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/ext ension/dairy/programs/humaneeuthanasia/preface-0 The First Step To Keeping Meaningful Records: CATTLE IDENTIFICATION Types of Identification • Ear Tagging – Electronic or Regular ear tags should each have a unique number for each animal • Branding – Hot or Freeze brands should be placed high on the hip to minimize hide damage Full traceability back through all production segments is the ultimate goal of animal identification. RECORDS Documenting the safety of the product: Components of Recordkeeping Animal records should be consistent, legible, easily retrieved, and maintained for at least 36 months