PICTURES 1 & 2

Using the right size of syringe is important in ensuring the correct dose is administered. When administering 2ml vaccines, you should use a 2.5ml syringe. Using a larger syringe can result in overdosing and increasing costs.

When administering antibiotics to adult cattle, you will require a 20ml syringe. Using a smaller syringe will result in multiple injection sites and increase stress levels for both man and beast. Picture 1 shows a 2.5ml syringe with a1.5-inch 18-gauge needle being used to administer a BVD vaccine, which has a dosage rate of 2ml and is administered intramuscularly. Picture 2 shows a 20ml syringe with a one-inch 16-gauge needle being used to administer an antibiotic subcutaneously. It is also important to ensure that there is no air in the syringe when extracting product from the bottle.

PICTURE 3

Selecting the right type of needle is important in ensuring that the product is administered correctly. The length and thickness of the needle are the two things you need to get right. When injecting adult animals intramuscularly (into the muscle), you should use a 1.5-inch needle to ensure that the solution has penetrated the muscle.

When injecting subcutaneously (under the skin), a one-inch needle is adequate. The thickness of the needle is referred to as the gauge — the higher the gauge, the finer the needle. You should use a fine needle when injecting non-viscous products intra- muscularly. For example, an 18-gauge needle should be used when administering low dosage vaccines into the muscle.

When administering high volume viscous (thick) products subcutaneously, a 16- gauge needle should be used. A 14-gauge needle should be used when administering extremely high volume doses subcutaneously.

For example, a 14-gauge needle should be used when administering calcium. Picture 3 shows a range of needle lengths and sizes. The needle on the left is a 1.5-inch 18- gauge needle. The middle needle is a 1.5-inch 14-gauge needle with the needle on the right the standard 16-gauge one-inch needle, which can be used for the majority of products administered subcutaneously.

PICTURES 4 & 5

The terms subcutaneously and intramuscularly often confuse farmers. Products that are administered subcutaneously should be administered under the skin.

Picture 4 shows an ideal site to inject products that are subcutaneously. You should lift a fold of skin just behind the shoulder.

Products that are administered intramuscularly should be injected into the muscle. The ideal site is into the neck. While there is a temptation to inject into the rump, this can cause abscesses in the most valuable joints on the carcase.

Picture 5 shows an animal being injected intramuscularly.

PICTURES 6 & 7

It is essential that no matter what product you are administering that you use a sterile syringe and needle. Most farmers are now using disposable needles and syringes.

There is no excuse for using dirty equipment. Both disposable needles and disposable syringes can now be purchased very cheaply. Pictures 6 and 7 show a box of 100 disposable syringes and 100 disposable needles. Remember, when needles are used, they should be disposed of in a sharps box.

PICTURES 8 & 9

A halter is a useful tool for further restraining an animal when in the headstock. However, it is important it is fitted properly. The halter should always pull tight from the bottom (picture 8) and should be kept clear of the eyes.

Picture 9 shows a animal that is restrained correctly using a halter.

PICTURE 10

The key to administering oral drenches successful is to make sure that the animal lifts its head and swallows the product.

Using a dosing hook takes a lot of the workload out of administering oral drenches.

Not only will the animal naturally lift its head but the dosing hook will trigger a swallowing action. Picture 10 shows an animal being dosed correctly using a dosing hook.

PICTURE 11

Pour-on products are designed to be absorbed through the skin. Farmers need to take precautions to ensure that they do not get the products on their hands when treating animals. As shown in picture 11, surgical gloves should be used when using pour-on products.