The beef industry is often challenged to maintain a proactive position on issues of concern to individuals or special interest groups with little or no knowledge of animal agriculture. Years of practical experience have shaped the practices that provide humane care of livestock.

Beef cattle producers are encouraged to view these guidelines as broad recommendations for the care and handling of cattle. Cattle producers wanting more specific information about proper care and handling of livestock should contact the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

I received training in BQA and use it on my beef cattle enterprise because I have a commitment to consumers to produce the safest, highest quality beef in the world.

• BQA is a combination of technology, common sense, a concern for animal well-being and a consumer oriented production system.
• I use BQA production practices because maintaining an optimum environment for cattle to produce at their best promotes efficiency and quality at the same time.
• BQA has taught me to think about all of my production practices in light of their effect on the quality final product.
• BQA training has shown me that keeping records of all my production practices is the best way for me to reduce liability and provide quality assurance to my customers.

Feedstuffs:

• Maintain records of any pesticide/herbicide use on pasture or crops that could potentially lead to violative residues in grazing cattle or feedlot cattle.
• Adequate quality control program(s) are in place for incoming feedstuffs. The programs should be designed to eliminate contamination from molds, mycotoxins or chemicals of incoming feed ingredients. Supplier assurance of feed ingredient quality is recommended.
• Suspect feedstuffs should be analyzed prior to use.
• Ruminant-derived protein sources cannot be fed per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
• Feeding by-products ingredients should be supported with sound science.

Feed Additives and Medications:

• Only FDA approved medicated feed additives will be used in rations.
• Medicated feed additives will be used in accordance with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulation.
• Follow Guide for Judicious Use of Antimicrobials in Cattle (see below).
• Extra-label use of feed additives is illegal and strictly prohibited.
• To avoid violative residues; withdrawal times must be strictly adhered to.
• Where applicable, complete records must be kept when formulating or feeding medicated feed rations.
• Records are to be kept a minimum of two years.
• Operator will assure that all additives are withdrawn at the proper time to avoid violative residues.

Processing/Treatment and Records:

• Follow all FDA/USDA/EPA guidelines for product(s) utilized.
• All products are to be used per label directions.
• Extra-label drug use shall be kept to a minimum, and used only when prescribed by a veterinarian working under a Valid Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR).
• Strict adherence to extended withdrawal periods as determined by the veterinarian within the context of a valid VCPR) shall be employed.

Treatment records will be maintained with the following recorded:

• Individual animal or group identification.
• Date treated.
• Product administrated and manufacture's lot/serial number.
• Dosage used.
• Route and location of administration and who administered the product.
• Earliest date animal will have cleared withdrawal period.

When cattle are processed as a group, all cattle within the group shall be identified as such, and the following information recorded:

• Group or lot identification.
• Date treated.
• Product administered and manufacturer's lot/serial number.
• Dosage used.
• Route and location of administration and who administered the product.
• Earliest date animal will have cleared withdrawal period.
• All cattle (fed and non-fed) shipped to slaughter will be checked by appropriate personnel to assure that animals that have been treated, meet or exceed label or prescription withdrawal times for all animal health products administrated.
• All processing and treatment records should be transferred with the cattle to next production level.
• Prospective buyers must be informed of any cattle that have not met withdrawal times.

Injectable Animal Health Products

• Products labeled for subcutaneous (SQ) administration should preferably be administered SQ in the neck region.
• All products labeled for intra-muscular (IM) use shall be given in the neck region only (no exceptions, regardless of age).
• All products cause tissue damage when injected IM. Therefore all IM use should be avoided if possible.
• Products cleared for SQ, IV or oral administration are recommended.
• Products with low dosage rates are recommended and proper spacing should be followed.
• No more than 10 cc of product is administered per IM injection site.

Care and Husbandry Practices:

• Follow the "Quality Assurance Herd Health Plan" that conforms to good veterinary and husbandry practices.
• All cattle will be handled/transported in such a fashion to minimize stress, injury and/or bruising.
• Facilities (fences, corrals, load-outs, etc.) should be inspected regularly to ensure proper care and ease of handling.
• Strive to keep feed and water handling equipment clean.
• Provide appropriate nutritional and feedstuffs management.
• Strive to maintain an environment appropriate to the production setting.
• Bio-security should be evaluated.
• Records should be kept for a minimum of 2 years (3 years for Restricted Use Pesticides)

Beef cattle producers take pride in their responsibility to provide proper care to cattle. The Code of Cattle Care below lists general recommendations for care and handling of cattle:

• Provide necessary food, water and care to protect the health and well-being of animals.
• Provide disease prevention practices to protect herd health, including access to veterinary care.
• Provide facilities that allow safe, humane, and efficient movement and/or restraint of cattle.
• Use appropriate methods to humanly euthanize terminally sick or injured livestock and dispose of them properly.
• Provide personnel with training/experience to properly handle and care for cattle.
• Make timely observations of cattle to ensure basic needs are being met.
• Minimize stress when transporting cattle.
• Keep updated on advancements and changes in the industry to make decisions based upon sound production practices and consideration for animal well-being.
• Persons who willfully mistreat animals will not be tolerated.

Prevent Problems:

• Emphasize appropriate husbandry and hygiene, routine health examinations, and vaccinations.

Select and Use Antibiotics Carefully:

• Consult with your veterinarian on the selection and use of antibiotics.
• Have a valid reason to use an antibiotic.
• Therapeutic alternatives should be considered prior to using antimicrobial therapy.

Avoid Using Antibiotics Important In Human Medicine As First Line Therapy:

• Avoid using as the first antibiotic those medications that are important to treating strategic human or animal infections.

Use the Laboratory to Help You Select Antibiotics:

• Cultures and susceptibility test results should be used to aid in the selection of antimicrobials, whenever possible.

Avoid Using Broad Spectrum:

• Use narrow spectrum antimicrobials, whenever possible.
• Combination antibiotic therapy is discouraged.

Avoid Inappropriate Antibiotic Use:

• Confine therapeutic antimicrobial use to proven clinical indications, avoiding inappropriate uses such as for viral infections without bacterial complication.

Treatment Programs Should Reflect Best Use Principles:

• Regimens for therapeutic antimicrobial use should be optimized using current pharmacological information and principles.

Treat the Fewest Number of Animals Possible:

• Limit antibiotic use to sick or at risk animals.

Treat for the Recommended Time Period:

• Minimize the potential for bacteria to become resistant to antimicrobials.

Avoid Environmental Contamination with Antibiotics:

• Steps should be taken to minimize antimicrobials reaching the environment through spillage, contaminated ground run off or aerosolization.

Keep Records of Antibiotic Use:

• Accurate records of treatment and outcome should be used to evaluate therapeutic regimens and always follow proper withdrawal times.

Follow Label Directions:

• Follow label instructions and never use antibiotics other than as labeled without a valid veterinary prescription.

Extra-label Antibiotic Use Must follow FDA Regulations:

• Prescriptions, including extra label use of medications must meet the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA) amendments to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and its regulations. This includes having a valid Veterinary-Client-Relationship.

Subtherapeutic Antibiotic Use Is Discouraged:

• Antibiotic use should be limited to prevent or control disease and should not be used if the principle intent is to improve performance.

Minimum Guidelines For all cattle and production segments:

• Provide appropriate nutritional feedstuffs.
• Handle cattle to minimize stress and bruising.
• All injections administered in front of the shoulder.
• Individually identify any animals treated to ensure proper withdrawal time.
• Make records available to the next production sector.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Keep records of all products administered including: product used, serial number, amount administered, route of administration, administrator and withdrawal time.

Heifers and purchased breeding stock entering the cow herd:

• Vaccinate in front of the shoulder for viral and clostridial diseases.
• Revaccinate according to manufacturer's label directions.
• Control external and internal parasites.

The main cow herd:

• Control external and internal parasites.
• Annually booster vaccinations in front of the shoulder.
• Consult with your veterinarian for additional health procedures appropriate to your area.

Pre-weaning, weaning and/or backgrounding:

• If implanting, administer implants properly in a sanitary manner
• Vaccinate in front of the shoulder for viral and clostridial diseases.
• Revaccinate according to manufacturer's label directions.
• Perform all surgeries such as dehorning and castration in a humane manner.
• Control external and internal parasites.
• Consult with your veterinarian for additional health procedures appropriate to your area.
• Keep records of all products administered including: product used, serial number, amount administered, route of administration, administrator and withdrawal time.
• Wean cattle (45 days recommended) to ensure cattle health and producer return on health management investment.

Cattle producers have long recognized the need to properly care for their livestock. Sound animal husbandry practices - based on research and decades of practical experience - are known to impact the well-being of cattle, individual animal health and herd productivity. Cattle are produced using a variety of management systems in very diverse environmental and geographic locations in the United States. As such, there is not one specific set of production practices that can be recommended for all cattle producers to implement. Personal experience, training, and professional judgment are key factors in providing proper animal care.

Feeding and Nutrition - Cattle should have access to an adequate quantity and quality of nutrients (feed, water, minerals and vitamins).The nutrient requirements of cattle vary according to age, sex, weight, body condition, stage of production and environmental temperature. The National Research Council has developed guidelines describing these requirements. Nutritionists are an excellent resource and can provide specific information on the nutrient needs of cattle, nutrient availability in feed ingredients, and suggest diets based on regional differences in nutrient values of available feedstuffs. Adequate feed quantity and quality is required for body maintenance and growth. However, cattle adapt to periodic over or under availability of feedstuffs. Cattle should have access to an adequate supply of clean water. Although water requirements vary greatly, as a rule of thumb, water consumption will range from 1 gal per 100 lb. of body weight during cold weather, to nearly 2 gal per 100 lb. of body weight during hot weather. Facilities (fences, chutes, etc.) should be maintained in good working condition to provide efficient movement and reduce stress when working cattle. Sharp objects and protrusions can result in bruise damage and should be avoided whenever possible. Equipment to restrain cattle is generally needed on most beef cattle operations. This equipment should allow for quick and secure restraint in order to minimize stress or injury to the animal or the operator. The equipment should allow for the quick release of the animal upon completion of the procedure. Experienced and trained personnel should operate restraining equipment. ShelterBeef cattle are produced in a variety of production settings, from pasture and range, to dry lot and confinement facilities. Moreover, cattle are adaptable to a wide range of natural conditions and artificial environments. When behavioral and physiological characteristics of cattle are matched to local conditions, beef cattle thrive in virtually any environment in the U.S. without artificial shelter. However, during extreme weather conditions, cattle should have access to well-drained resting areas and/or to natural or constructed shelter.

Animal Health Practices - Producers should implement herd health programs that address the prevention and treatment of disease. These programs will vary depending upon the type of operation and diseases prevalence in a particular region of the U.S. Cattle producers are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian to establish effective herd health programs. Cattle should be observed regularly, particularly during critical periods of the year such as calving season, or weather related events. Procedures such as vaccination, castration, dehorning and branding are often performed by producers. Proper techniques and equipment should be utilized. Only experienced or properly trained personnel should perform these procedures. Beef cattle producers are encouraged to follow state or national Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines. National BQA guidelines can be obtained from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Handling Sick, Disabled or Deceased Livestock - It is the responsibility of cattlemen to humanely care for their animals and make every effort to obtain veterinary care for animals that are sick or injured. Livestock that are sick or injured and non-responsive to medical treatment for a reasonable period of convalescence should be humanely euthanized on the farm or ranch. Moreover, cattle exhibiting symptoms of advanced disease (such as cattle that are severely emaciated), cattle that are non-ambulatory, or cattle with advanced stages of ocular neoplasia should not be transported to market facilities. Cattle that are disabled or become injured during transportation should be euthanized or humanely transported to a processing facility. Euthanasia is defined as a humane death occurring without pain and suffering. It is inevitable that cattle will become sick or injured to the degree that euthanasia will be required. Sick or injured cattle that will not respond to treatment should be euthanized. Techniques for euthanasia should follow guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Detailed information on proper euthanasia techniques is available in the guide titled "Practical Euthanasia of Cattle" (see pubs list below for how to order)or producers may consult with their veterinarian concerning appropriate techniques. Producers should use proper methods of disposing of deceased livestock in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. If utilizing a rendering service, keep deceased livestock in a screened area away from public view.

Transportation - The movement of cattle to and from farms, ranches, feedlots and marketing facilities is an important aspect of beef cattle production. Proper handling and transportation are important for the safety and welfare of the animals being moved. When loading and unloading cattle, personnel should move cattle as quietly and patiently as possible to prevent stress or injury.Cattle should be separated by size or gender prior to shipping, and if possible, different groups loaded into separate compartments of the truck or trailer. To prevent livestock from falling while in transit, the ride should be a smooth as possible. Drivers should avoid sudden starts/stops and sharp turns. Moreover, the floors of trucks and trailers should be clean and slip resistant. While in transit, occasional stops should be made to ensure that cattle are well dispersed and still standing. Severe weather conditions must be considered when transporting livestock. As appropriate, adequate ventilation and protection should be provided during transit. Further information on transporting cattle may be found at: http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ansc/mastercattletransporter

Training & Education - All individuals working with livestock should be provided a sound working knowledge of proper care and handling techniques. Cattle producers should observe their employees to ensure that they are properly trained. Never assume that anyone can properly handle cattle or that they will always utilize proper techniques. Ongoing education should be a part of any management plan. Education materials on basic livestock handling techniques, including the proper handling of disabled cattle are available from the National Institute for Animal Agriculture. Those materials include the following

• Cattle Handling and Transportation (video)
• Livestock Handling Guide (pamphlet)
• Livestock Trucking Guide (pamphlet)
• Proper Handling Techniques for Non-Ambulatory Animals (pamphlet)
• Practical Euthanasia of Cattle (guide book)