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Santa Rosa Jr. College Shone Farm December 3, 2015

Presented by: Joyce Torrigino Virgilio Neto

Beef Cattle Management Guidelines

Contents Introduction --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- page 2

Facilities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- page 3

Behavior ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- page 7

Stress ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- page 11

Handling ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- page 14

Transportation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- page 19

Identification ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- page 21

Nutrition ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- page 26

Management Practices (Health) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ page 28

Management Practices (Illness & Injury) ------------------------------------------------------------- page 49

Management Practices (Reproduction, Pregnancy, Parturition and Weaning) ------------- page 67

SHONE FARM BEEF CATTLE GUIDELINES

SHONE FARM – BEEF CATTLE PAGE 2

INTRODUCTION

The beef cattle at Shone Farm is a cow/calf operation maintained to assist and enhance the value

of a student’s experience by helping to facilitate the practical portion of classes as well as for

production and processing for sales with extensive grazing on 100 acres of pasture. Our goal is to

have about 25 cows per year and another 10 heifers and steers. Breeding is by natural cover from

January to March, weaning is May to June and calving is from September to December. The Shone

Farm Cattle Maintenance Calendar at the beginning of this section is a good reference for most of

the annual operations.

We use the body condition scores to provide us with seasonal performance standards of our cows

and our pasture. Year round observations and monitoring of the cattle is supervised by the

Livestock Technician and carried out by student employees 2 or 3 times daily.

Spring fed water troughs are available in all pastures and year round creeks are utilized by the

cattle for water, which also provide shade from their tree lined banks. Sixty percent of the pastures

are irrigated and capable of providing 60 to 70 percent of the nutritional needs of the herd.

Supplemental feed in provided in the form of alfalfa and grass hay from late fall to early spring.

Many of the Standard Agricultural Practice are performed by students under the supervision of the

Livestock Technician or the Livestock instructor. Our veterinarian assists the instructor and students

with pregnancy checking every spring.

All husbandry and health practices are coordinated by the Livestock Technician, with special

attention paid to any animal distress.

Animal identification is accomplished by ear tagging and is utilized to facilitate herd recording

keeping. Shone Farm will be moving toward Electronic I.D. ear tags while Hot Iron Branding is also

used to identify Shone Farm cattle and to comply with the Bureau of Livestock identification

regulations.

This document has sections titled Standard Operating Procedures which are written in red. These

serve as guidelines for the program and we print them out separately to create management

guidelines to train staff and students.



FACILITIES

Beef Unit: The Shone Farm Beef Unit consists of:

a. 6 interior Holding/Sorting Pens enclosed with pipe panels within the Porter Barn.

b. 4 exterior Holding/Sorting Pens enclosed with pipe panels that are each approximately ¼

under cover and ¾ without cover and attached to the Porter Barn.

c. Sweep Tub, Chute Alley and Squeeze Chute, Calf Chute and Squeeze Chute/Turn Table.

d. 5 concrete Feed Bunkers.

The Pens are used for:

a. Sorting

b. temporary holding (less than a full day) while vaccinating, deworming, castrating, exhibition,

judging clinics and contests

c. short term holding (1 - 2 days) for cattle leaving the facility or observation

d. moderate term holding (3 – 7 days) for cattle new to Shone Farm, quarantine, illness or

injury and observation

e. long term holding (8+ days) for injured or ill cattle

When occupied, pens are cleaned once per day. Cattle are rotated to a clean and dry pen at least

every 2 days as muddy and/or wet pens are detrimental to the cattle’s well-being.

Any pens containing calves housed short term, or longer, have straw spread out on the floor and

the straw should be replaced every day after cleaning.

Manure and soiled straw and hay shall be hauled away and disposed of in the compost piles in

the garden.

Cattle in pens are provided adequate clean water and fed at least twice per day according to their

weight and physical demands (maintenance, breeding, pregnant, lactating, weaning).

When possible, cattle housed in the pens for moderate term, or longer, should have a pen mate or

another bovine penned nearby.



FACILITIES - continued

Beef Unit Alley: The Shone Farm Beef Unit Alley consists of 3 sections separated by 2 gates to

hold cattle in groups while sorting and/or moving into the sweep tub. There are gates on either end

of the alley for cattle to enter and exit at one end and trailer loading at the other end.

In addition, there are 3 gates on the Porter Barn side of the alley used to move the cattle into the

Pipe Panel Pens, Feed Bunkers and Sweep Tub. There is also a narrow chute-like opening on the

Porter Barn side of the alley used for cattle to exit the Pipe Panel Pens.

Cattle shall be moved through the alley in as quiet and calm manner as possible using appropriate

herding tools [see “Behavior” and “Management Practices (General)”].

Patience is paramount in moving the cattle through the alley and they should be allowed to move

forward and methodically as they feel safe and secure.

The amount of pressure used to move the cattle shall be only that which is necessary. A scale of

1 – 10 (1 being minimum amount of pressure and 10 being maximum amount of pressure) shall be

considered when moving cattle. Handlers shall start with “1” and move up the scale in order to

obtain desired results. Pressure should be released immediately as cattle comply and move in the

desired direction and manner. Handlers shall not “nag” cattle by constantly yelling at them, rattling

paddles or hitting them once the cattle are complying and moving in the desired direction. Handlers

should walk quietly behind them outside of kicking distance.

Moving small groups (approximately 5) of cattle at a time into the Sweep Tub has the best results

and never shall cattle be packed into the Sweep Tub so that the cattle cannot move freely and

forward into the chute. Cattle move best in a wide circular or sweeping pattern, therefore, handlers

should avoid forcing them to turn in small spaces or circles.

Feed Bunkers: The Beef Unit consists of 5 concrete Feed Bunkers equipped with pipe head

dividers to allow each animal to comfortably have their own eating area. The Feed Bunker area has

a dirt floor that slopes away from the Bunkers.

Feed Bunkers are used to feed the cattle hay when the pastures are unavailable and cattle shall

be brought up or allowed access to the Feed Bunkers from the Pastures at least 2 times per day to

eat.

Cattle are not to be housed in the Feed Bunker Alley, therefore, the cleaning may be done by

tractor as needed and as determined by the Farm Manager or Livestock Technician.

Using a tractor, a thorough cleaning of the Feed Bunker Alley shall be done after the Feed

Bunkers are no longer in use.



FACILITIES – continued

Pastures: Although cattle in confinement have minimum space requirements, the amount of land

needed for cattle to graze on varies considerably based on several physical factors including, but

not limited to amount and type of forage, slope, water access, supplements, type of cattle (cows:

maintenance, pregnant, lactating, weaning), calves, bulls and the extend of grazing desired.

Shone Farm has 2 irrigated pastures, 2 dry pastures (that grow grass in the wet seasons) and 3

dry smaller pastures used on a temporary basis.

Cattle are moved to different pastures based on pasture condition, cattle body condition and

nutritional needs (maintenance, pregnant and trimester, lactation, weaning, weaned calves, bulls,

steers).

Cattle are supplemented with, but not limited to: Orchard Grass Hay; Alfalfa Hay; Iodized Salt

Blocks; Lick Tubs when needed.

Fencing: Fence statutes are in place to protect livestock, people and property from damage or

injury that can be caused by livestock. There are two forms of these laws: Open Range and

Closed Range. Local county governments in California determine whether the range will be “open”

or “closed” however, most California counties have closed range laws.

Closed Range (Fence In): It is the responsibility of the cattle owner to keep their animals contained

and enclosed, however, if the cattle break through a fence, the degree of liability of the owner is

usually based on normal husbandry practices and if the owner used a “lawful fence”. California

Food and Agricultural Code section 17121 describes a “Lawful Fence” as “any fence which is good,

strong, substantial and sufficient to prevent the ingress and egress of livestock. No wire fence is a

good and substantial fence within the meaning of this article unless it has three tightly stretched

barbed wires securely fastened to posts of reasonable strength, firmly set in the ground not more

than one rod apart, one of which wires shall be at least four feet above the surface of the ground.

Any kind of wire or other fence of height, strength and capacity equal to or greater than the wire

fence herein described is a good and substantial fence within the meaning of this article. The term

’lawful fence’ includes cattle guards of such width, depth, rail spacing and construction as will

effectively turn livestock.”



FACILITIES - continued

Fences at Shone Farm consist of three different types: 3’ – 4’ Field Fencing with 2 – 3 strands of

barbed wire stretched above the Field Fencing, Board Fencing and Board Fencing covered with 1”

x 2” Non-Climb wire. All perimeter fences shall be “Lawful Fences” while interior fences may be of

lower standard.

Water Availability: Cattle should always have access to clean, fresh water and it must be

available in sufficient quality and quantity for cattle to drink as they need or want to, without

competition.



BEHAVIOR

Knowing your cattle: Observing and assessing behavior patterns in cattle is important in

determining good health or stress due to pain or other outside influences. In observing cattle

individually and as a herd, illness, injury and stress can be noticed quickly and proper care can be

taken, thereby, creating a healthier, more productive herd.

Handling Stress lowers conception rates and reduces both immune and rumen function, therefore,

recognizing and understanding typical and atypical behavior in cattle in general, as well as in the

individual herd, is paramount when designing livestock facilities, minimizing animal stress and injury

and to assure safe and efficient interaction between cattle and handlers.

Cattle always think in terms of dominance: someone is always above or below them in hierarchy

status – either bossing them, or being bossed by them. Handlers must always be the boss in the

cattle’s mind – not feared but totally respected.

Understanding the way cattle think and why they react the way they do, can help the handler

persuade them to perform a task safely and calmly. With understanding, a handler can often

predict how any given cow or herd will react in a situation and be able to anticipate and plan, thus

having fewer problems.

Cattle can be taught routines (adults easier than calves) and will remember after having done

something only once: where to find water; where the best pasture is; where the gates are and a

path to the different gates. They also remember where the bees are and those who handle them

with respect and consistency – and those that don’t.

In handling cattle properly, they will willingly go where you want them to go and will move quietly

and naturally when properly guided. They can be trained to come when called and will readily

follow a handler if they know there is a positive outcome in the end.

Senses: Originally prey animals, cattle rely on sight and smell to detect predators and respond

with fighting or fleeing. “Fight or Flight” is a deeply ingrained instinctual response in order to survive

when they fear something strange or new that they do not understand. How they perceive their

environment governs their response to it.

Cattle have wide-angle vision (a field of vision nearly 360°), have relatively poor depth perception

and can distinguish between most colors. They rely on their vision to recognize herd mates and

handlers and to interpret signals given by both - conveyed by postures: head and body positions.



BEHAVIOR (Senses) - continued

Cattle have more sensitive hearing than humans and can move their ears to improve their acuity of

hearing. Threatening and non-threatening information is passed between cattle via hearing and

vocalizations, therefore, a sudden or unexpected loud noise may startle the cattle. This is an

important safety consideration when handling cattle. Cattle may become adapted to loud,

consistent noises in their environment within a 5 day period – according to scientific research.

Smell and taste are important for reproductive status of cows, bonding between a cow and her

calf, identifying territory and establishing feed preferences.

Tactile stimulation (touch) signals the cattle’s central nervous system to trigger physiological and

behavior changes. Signals of heat, cold, pressure or pain may cause an animal to respond by

changing their body position or behavior to conserve or avoid heat or to flee its immediate

environment.

Types of Behaviors: Learned Behaviors: behaviors that are learned by experience in their

environment. This is derived from memory and experiences such as looking for hay upon hearing a

tractor or coming to the sound of a human voice after having been rewarded with food when called.

Instinctive (Innate) Behaviors: behaviors that are “hard-wired” where a cow responds to stimuli

without conscious thought or decision. Examples are breeding and maternal instincts and a calf’s

initial nursing behavior.

Cattle have a natural tendency to follow and this becomes evident when a herd is threatened or

the leader is taking them to food. Being a “Fight or Flight” animal, a “Flight Zone” (an imaginary

bubble around an animal) determines how close a handler can get to a cow. “Following” behavior

and “Flight Zone” are important concepts for handlers to understand and utilize in moving cattle in

order to minimize stress while moving animals and when designing facilities. Moving cattle in small

groups or pairs is favorable and less stressful than trying to move only one animal at a time.

Herd Interactions: Cattle are herd animals – meaning, they prefer to live in a group of cattle rather

than individually penned or isolated. Their behavior is based on

her instincts and social interactions within the herd. Hierarchy in a herd is determined by

“pecking order” where they are ranked by dominance.



BEHAVIOR (Herd Interactions) - continued

Dominance establishes a predictable relationship between cattle and provides a clear, safe

environment. Every time new animals are introduced into a herd, a reorganization of Dominance

will occur that may be related to age, sex, weight, presence of horns and breed.

When Dominance Reorganization occurs, cattle can become very aggressive and dangerous as

they are focused on each other and not any handlers in their general vicinity. Younger animals do

not display the amount of aggression and fighting that the older animals do. When a herd’s

creature comforts such as resting areas, feed and water become limited, aggression will increase.

Hierarchy and Dominance change depending on the age, health or production status of herd

members.

Bulls and some steers tend to be more unpredictable and aggressive in their behavior toward

humans and other animals. Cows that have calves and are protecting them also tend to be more

aggressive. Cattle will also behave aggressively or defensively toward any animal or predator

threatening their well-being such as dogs, coyotes, mountain lions.

Cattle may attempt to flee a predator and get back to the safety of the herd and in doing so, may

kick out or head butt in an attempt to get away. If an animal is unable to flee or has previous

experience with a predator, it may become very aggressive by head butting, kicking, pawing and

crushing. Often, several members of the herd will engage in this type of defensive behavior and

gang up on the perceived threat. When handlers see an animal displaying a defensive position or

stance (lowered head, head shaking, head weaving and pawing), extra precautions should be

taken. Leaving the immediate area and taking the pressure and threat off of the herd is the best

option.

Vocalization: Cattle are generally quiet animals, therefore, when they vocalize, it is very

noticeable to handlers and herd mates. Vocalization may be triggered by frustration, pain, stress, a

separated cow/calf or realization of food being brought to them. Bulls and steers may emit a low

growling sound or low bellow before showing aggressive behavior. Cattle, however, may give no

warning before becoming aggressive and dangerous, therefore, a handler should always be aware

of an escape route.



BEHAVIOR – continued

Daily Behavior Pattern: Cattle adhere to daily cycles of resting, grazing and ruminating that may

depend on daylight/darkness cycles, diet needs, age, environment, temperature and anything else

that may affect them on a daily basis. Most grazing occurs just after dawn and just before dusk and

exploration of their environment occurs throughout the day. Exploration, using their senses in

conjunction with locomotion skills, may be triggered by instinctual responses to certain stimuli

depending on age, weight, sex and nutritional or physical needs.

Cattle may have about a total of 7 – 8 hours of rest after experiencing about 20 episodes per day

of drowsy or sleep state. Cattle groom each other and use their tails to keep flies off of each other

and will lay down in a position to protect their sensitive skin areas from flies.



STRESS

Stress occurs in cattle when they are required to react to stimuli (fear, pain, fever, environment or

management) with extreme changes and adjustments in physiology or behavior in order to cope.

The well-being of cattle results in higher reproductive efficiency and growth, therefore, identifying

and minimizing stressful situations increases livestock production and economic benefits for the

producer.

Fear: Behavior responses to fear can include, but are not limited to, running, balking, charging and

vocalization. Physiological responses can include, but are not limited to, increased heart rate and

hormonal changes.

There is a variety of stimuli that can elicit fear in cattle, however, most of them come from a new

experience, those that occur suddenly or of high intensity. For example: Sudden movements or

shouting by a handler, slamming gates, shadows. Because cattle hear higher frequencies that

humans, it may not be apparent to a handler that the animal is undergoing stress when being

shouted at.

Cattle have long-term memory and may associate bad experiences with certain people. They may

associate a slamming gate or any particular event with past abusive or unpleasant handling.

Four categories of stress are: Behavioral Stress, Physical Stress, Disease Stress, Pain and

Thermal (heat) Stress. The stress in one category may create additional stress in another category

or even create complications in another category.

Behavioral Stress: This is best described as unusual behavior in cattle as a result of stress. One

or more of the signs are as follows:

Abnormal Posture

Off feed or poor appetite

Restlessness

Dull or depressed attitude

Grunting or other unusual vocalizations

Lameness or alteration of gait

Self isolation from the herd or pen mates

Lack of grooming

Elevated respiration

Fear or Anxiety



STRESS (Behavioral) – continued

In order to eliminate or minimize behavioral stress in everyday living for cattle, there should be

adequate food, water, enough area to sleep and lay down and the ability to groom. In handling and

restraint, methods and options for the various management practices should be considered and

adhered to in order to minimize fear and anxiety within the herd and individual animals.

Observations are the key to noticing and identifying stress in cattle. Short-term stress can

increase heart rate, respiration, some hormones and blood pressure and can cause an animal to go

off feed. Long-term stress may induce changes in immunological response or hormonal secretions

which can result in, among other things, less tolerance to parasites and increased susceptibility to

disease. Although some management practices (branding, vaccinating, castrating, ear tagging and

change of environment) may create short-term stress, the management team must consider the

long-term overall benefits these create.

Handlers should be aware that all management practices and handling of cattle is stressful,

including gathering, moving to new pastures, weaning, separating herd mates and sorting, chutes,

head gates and other facility aids. These practices, however, alleviate some long-term stress by

creating a safer environment, reducing the possibility of illness, injury and nutritional deficiencies.

Physical Stress: The space available to it and the surfaces it comes into contact are the

components of an animal’s environment. Factors that affect or that may contribute to physical

stress include availability of space, maintenance (safety, cleanliness), flooring, restraint (pen,

chutes, head gates, halters) and injuries.

Disease Stress: This may be described as stress that results from the onset of and spread of

illness or disease. The response of the animal’s immune system will determine if they will succumb

to or survive an illness. If the immune system is compromised due to another stressor, the

likeliness of survival is diminished.

Pain: Receptors located in the skin, muscles, viscera and joints transmit information to the central

nervous system when stimulated. An animal perceives pain when this occurs. The animal

responds to pain in a similar manner to other stresses through behavioral and physiological

changes. Pain symptoms are often more acute and can have a more sudden onset, depending on

the situation.



STRESS - continued

Thermal Stress: Animals interact and react to heat in 4 different ways: Evaporation, Conduction,

Convection and Radiation. When the animal’s heat gain becomes greater than its ability to create

heat loss, the animal will store the increased heat in the form of increased body core temperature.

A cattle’s response to heat involves changes in behavior, performance, immediate environment and

physiology.

Heat stress can be kept to a minimum by creating an environment that can manage heat load,

animal behavior and thermal stress and by observing cattle often and noticing when there needs to

be a change made to the environment.

Behavioral, Physiological and Performance responses to heat stress: The initial response that

cattle have to heat is through behavior modification. They will seek out cooler areas and feeding,

drinking, standing, lying, locomotive, aggressive and elimination habits (behavior) will change.

Grazing patterns in cattle are influenced by heat, therefore, those kept on pasture may exhibit

nocturnal patterns. There will be minimal grazing during the hot, daytime hours and more during

dusk and dawn. During the day, it is common for them to be idle and/or laying in the shade. This

does not mean an animal is in distress.

Consumption of water by cattle will increase in a hot environment and this will aid in heat loss via

sweating and respiration. An increased core temperature will result in a higher rectal temperature

and respiration rate (allowing more evaporative heat loss via upper respiratory passages). An

animal that is unable to lower and regulate its temperature overnight is considered a critical

situation. An overheated animal will have a limited productivity ability and because the heat will

continue to increase, the animal will suffer from stress and maybe even death.

Reducing an animal’s Dry Matter Intake (DMI) will decrease its core body temperature, therefore, if

water intake isn’t sufficient enough to lower temperature, cattle will reduce food intake.



HANDLING

Cattle at Shone Farm are to be handled quietly and in a humane manner in order to prevent stress

and to allow handlers to achieve their desired results.

It is best for a handler to remember a scale of aggression with cattle: 1= minimal “pressure” and

10 = maximum “pressure”. Examples of minimal pressure include but are not limited to: verbal (“up,

cow!”), a whistle, light hand clapping or a shake of the rattle paddle. Examples of maximum

pressure include but are not limited to: Banging tools on the fence or chute, stepping toward the

animal aggressively while using a forceful voice or noise. Handlers at Shone Farm shall always

start with minimal pressure and escalate up the scale of pressure, if needed, to obtain desired

results. Optimally, the cattle will respond calmly with minimum pressure.

Calves & Yearlings: It is easiest to obtain desired results in grown or nearly grown cattle, if they

were trained as calves.

Young and/or new animals that are trying to acclimate to their environment are very sensitive and

reactive. Dealing with these animals requires the handler to maintain a quiet, yet authoritative

stance. Minimal pressure should to be applied by the handler until they receive the desired result.

If an animal learns from a young age that the handler will back down, it will remain non-compliant.

Young animals shall be familiarized with a Rattle Paddle immediately upon moving the cattle as a

group. The rattle paddle shall be held down at their level and lightly shaken to emit the rattling

noise. As soon as the calf moves away from the paddle (noise), the handler shall hold the paddle

still. If a handler continues rattling the paddle after the desired result has occurred, it becomes

“nagging”. This will either cause an animal to become confused at the lack of definitive direction or

to tune out the noise because now it has become normal, constant background noise in its

environment.

Every time a calf stops its forward momentum, the handler shall rattle the paddle behind it until the

calf moves forward. Every time the calf turns and tries to come toward the handler’s direction, the

handler shall rattle the paddle at the calf’s nose until it turns in the proper direction. If it does not

proceed forward after turning back, the handler shall rattle the paddle behind the calf until it does.



HANDLING (Calves & Yearlings) - continued

Cattle should NEVER be taught to turn around on the handler – at ANY age. This should be highly

discouraged. If a calf turns back on a handler, the handler MUST make the animal believe this is

not where it wants to be by INSISTING the calf turn back around. This shall be done by first

starting with minimal pressure (“1”) and escalating quickly to (“10”) – until the desired result is

obtained. The safety of all handlers is paramount.

If a handler does not have a Rattle Paddle, forward momentum of the calf may be obtained by the

handler clapping their hands in the same area of the animal and manner as described above with

the Rattle Paddle.

Yearlings should be handled in the same manner as calves, however, handlers should remember

that Yearlings are much more unpredictable, “playful” and don’t herd in a group (without adults) as

well. Yearlings will spread out more, move faster and turn back on their handlers more often. It is

common to have to start on the pressure scale at higher than “1” and quickly move up the scale to

obtain desired results.

Adult Cattle: Adults are less reactive and more cautious until they know they are safe.

Handlers shall position themselves behind cattle so that they can be seen by the animals and not

kicked. The best position to be in is approximately 25 degrees or more off to the side of each hip.

Pasture Herding: When moving cattle out of the pasture, it is easiest to follow a path along a

fence. Cattle feel much more secure following the same safe paths and are easier to contain when

they walk along a fence and know the route. Once cattle know what you want and where they are

going, they will move right along. The handler should follow along quietly, with purpose and without

stopping forward momentum. Handlers should not let the cattle stop and mill along the way.

Beef Alley: When the herd is brought up to the barn and is locked in the Shone Farm Beef Unit

Alley, the handlers should remain outside of the alley unless they are moving small groups forward.

Standing amongst a herd of cattle milling in a small area is extremely dangerous for handlers

because when cattle turn abruptly or bang into each other, they may easily crush any humans

nearby. Locking small groups of cattle in the sectioned off areas of the alley can make handling

easier. It keeps smaller, more manageable waiting groups of cattle together and contained.



HANDLING - continued

Sweep Tub: Handlers should not try to move a group of more than 5 cattle into the Sweep Tub.

Cattle will resist being overcrowded and will turn back on handlers if there are too many of them

being forced into a small space.

Handlers should make sure all cattle are moving in the direction of the chutes before closing down

the Sweep Tub door. Crowding them in the Sweep Tub when they are facing the wrong direction is

counter-productive and will cause stress. The cattle should be moved as quietly and humanely as

possibly from the Sweep Tub and into the chutes so that they don’t balk and turn.

Handlers should, at no time, beat the cattle on their heads with rattle paddles and yell while they

are in the Sweep Tub in an attempt to motivate them to move. This causes confusion and stress

and lack of compliance on the cattle’s part. If the cattle are milling and turning as opposed to

moving forward into the chutes, handlers should un-squeeze the Sweep Tub and give the cattle

room to move, re-group and turn in the correct direction.

At no time shall a handler get into the Sweep Tub while cattle are inside.

As the Sweep Door is closed down, the handler shall take care to make sure the spring-loaded

handle sits snuggly behind the protruding vertical bars affixed to the inside of the tub walls.

Performing this task helps alleviate injury to handlers by preventing the Sweep Tub door from being

knocked back into them.

Beef Unit Chutes: Maintaining forward momentum of cattle from the Sweep Tub and into the

Cattle Chutes is critical so that the cattle quietly line up in the chute and don’t get bogged down in

the Sweep Tub.

The sliding gate separating the Sweep Tub and main chute should be open as the cattle are

moved into the Tub. This allows the cattle to move all the way down the chute and toward the

Squeeze Chute (where various procedures are performed). Once the cattle are in the main Chute,

the sliding door should be shut behind the last animal.

Beef Unit Chutes

Handlers should, at no time, beat the cattle on their heads with rattle paddles and yell while they are

in the Cattle Chute in an attempt to motivate them to move. This causes confusion and stress and

lack of compliance on the cattle’s part. Handlers should, however, grasp the animal’s tail and pull it

in the direction of the animal’s path of travel until the animal moves forward. Handlers may also use

the Rattle Paddle behind the animal to encourage forward movement.



HANDLING - continued

Squeeze Chutes: After entering the Main Chute, the cattle should be diverted to one of 2 Squeeze

Chutes – depending on if it’s a calf or a grown animal.

Only one animal is allowed to be in a Squeeze Chute at a time.


are in the Squeeze Chute in an attempt to motivate them to move. This causes confusion and

stress and lack of compliance on the cattle’s part.

The handler should have the Squeeze Chute Head Gate partially open so that the animal can see

through to the other side and feels confident that it can walk all the way through. As the animal

enters the Squeeze Chute, the handler shall catch its neck in the Head Gate. Immediately after

catching the animal’s neck in the Head Gate, the handler shall shut the Hind Gate to prevent

backing up and to prevent the animal behind it from entering the Squeeze Chute.

After closing the Hind Gate, the handler shall pull down the squeeze mechanism’s handle so that

the sides of the Squeeze Chute hold the animal’s sides firmly.

In preparation of releasing cattle, the handler shall open the Squeeze Chute mechanisms and

gates in the following order: #1. Squeeze Mechanism handle (open) #2. Head Gate or Side Gate

#3. Hind Gate (to allow next animal in).

Beef Unit Pens: The Shone Farm Beef Unit Pens function as holding areas and sorting pens.

When the cattle are released from the Squeeze Chute, they are directed through the man gate

directly in front of them and into the Beef Unit Pens where they are used as holding areas.

When used as sorting pens, the cattle are brought in via the Beef Unit Alley and into the Beef Unit

Pen area. The cattle are then moved and separated with use of Rattle Paddles and into selected

pens (ex: bull calves in one pen and heifer calves in another pen during castration and branding).

Handlers are in the Beef Unit Pen area with the cattle when sorting and the cattle should be given

plenty of room to shift, turn and move about.


are in the Beef Unit Pens in an attempt to motivate them to move. This causes confusion and

stress and lack of compliance on the cattle’s part.



~ STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE ~

Moving Cattle:

Scale of aggression:

1= minimal “pressure”

10 = maximum “pressure”

Examples of minimal pressure include, but are not limited to:

verbal (“up, cow!”)

whistle

light hand clapping

shake of the rattle paddle

Examples of maximum pressure include, but are not limited to:

banging tools on the fence or chute

stepping toward the animal aggressively while using a forceful voice or noise

Handlers at Shone Farm shall always start with minimal pressure and escalate up the

scale of pressure, if needed, to obtain desired results.

Optimally, the cattle will respond calmly with minimum pressure when needed.

Handlers shall position themselves behind cattle so that they can be seen by the animals

and not kicked.

The best position is approximately 25 degrees or more to the side of each hip.

The handler should follow along quietly, with purpose and without stopping forward

momentum.

The handler should release “pressure” when desired results are obtained.

If the animal spins toward the handler, puts its head low and starts swinging it back and

forth, the handler should recognize the animal is about to charge. The handler shall vacate

the area quickly by whatever means possible.



TRANSPORTATION Transportation of cattle to and from farms, ranches, feedlots, auctions, sales facilities and

processing facilities is a routine operation in Shone Farm’s Beef Cattle production.

Cattle are transported in stock trailers pulled by pick-up trucks, livestock hauling trucks and semi-

tractors. The trailers may have dividers that divide the trailer into compartments or sections or they

may be without dividers.

In preparation for shipping, cattle should be brought out of the pasture and into the Beef Unit. The

cattle should be housed in a pen of suitable size for the number of animals to be housed there. The

pen(s) should have fresh drinking water and the cattle shall be fed hay two times per day for the

duration of their confinement.

A visual check of all vehicles (trucks and trailers) should be conducted prior to hauling any

cattle.

The trailer interior shall be inspected for cleanliness and bee/wasp nests. Any debris,

stinging insects and insect nests found inside the trailer shall be removed before loading

cattle.

Tire condition (inflation, wear and damage) shall be inspected as well as all lights on the

trucks and trailers used.

The hitch and ball shall be inspected for any damage and for proper use of grease.

The electric plug connection shall be inspected for condition and any debris lodged inside.

The inside of the trailer shall be inspected for any damage or loose, swinging dividers and

the floor shall be free of holes or rotten wood.

Once the trailer is attached to the truck, a test of the breaks and break controller should be

conducted by applying the brake pedal and observing if the brakes on the trailer lock up or

have little or no affect in stopping the load. The brakes should be adjusted so that the

burden is not solely on the truck, but rather, the trailer should start braking first.

Trailers and trucks hauling cattle shall not be overcrowded – they need adequate space to allow

them to stand up again if they should fall or slip during loading, unloading or transit.

Regulations:

a. Anyone who transports cattle must carry with them a “State of California Bill of Sale or

Consignment” form – completely and accurately filled out. [create exhibit]

b. Maximum weight limits of trucks and trailers must not be exceeded.



TRANSPORTATION (cont)

Proper loading techniques: facilities and tools are important in preventing injuries and minimizing

handling stress while loading cattle.

Position of the truck as close to the loading area as possible and regardless of what tools and

equipment are used for loading and transportation, cattle should be handled in a way that ensures

their and the handler’s safety and welfare through all phases of transport.

Communication is the key to safely loading cattle into trucks as staff and students move the cattle

quietly and patiently in order to prevent injuries to the animals and personnel. When cattle are

given the opportunity, they will follow their instinctual herding urge to move through alleys and

chutes that lead into the truck or trailer.

Sick or injured cattle may require special handling that may include separate loading,

transportation and care to prevent additional stress or injury.

While hauling cattle, the driver should take special care to provide as smooth a ride as possible for

the cattle. The driver should avoid sudden starts, stops and sharp turns and should pay special

attention to speed limits.

Cattle shall be transported in the minimum amount of time in order to keep transportation stress to

a minimum. Stops during transit should be planned so that the cattle can be checked to ensure that

they are standing and uninjured.

A federal law: 28-Hour Rule (Title 49 U.S. Code Section 80502) and portions of the California

Food and Agricultural Code (Section 16908) limit maximum transit time to 28 consecutive hours

without unloading the animals for food, water and rest. The maximum period of time allowed for

transporting cattle should be determined with consideration for: the cattle’s fitness to travel;

environmental conditions; vehicle design; road conditions and handling stress.

Upon arrival at their destination, the cattle should be unloaded quietly and calmly. Cattle may rush

out of the vehicle, therefore, for the safety of the cattle and handlers, additional care must be taken

to ensure that they unload slowly and calmly.

Once unloaded, the cattle should be checked for injury or illness. Additional care and handling

appropriate for the issue should be provided for any sick or injured cattle.

After transport, cattle should be rested and provided access to feed and water before being

processed or put in pastures or pens with other cattle.



JC

IDENTIFICATION

Identification of Beef animals is necessary and important for many reasons. Cattle rustling (theft)

is still occurring in California and unmarked animals are at a greater risk of being stolen. The

Bureau of Livestock Identification regulates the use of brands and Brand Inspectors monitor the

sale of cattle to verify ownership. Sick and Injured animals also need to be easily identified in order

to separate them from the herd, if necessary, to be treated.

Identification also aids managers in record keeping: Selection and Genetics can be improved by

identifying sires and dams and their progeny; Health Records and tracking favorable traits and/or

unfavorable traits or issues depends on identification of individual animals as well.

Methods used to identify cattle at Shone Farm include Hot Iron Branding and Ear Tagging. Hot

Iron Branding is the only legal method for proof of ownership, currently, in California. All brands

must be registered with the California Bureau of Livestock Identification (www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/li/).

Ear Tagging allows staff to identify age and identity each individual animal. Lost Ear Tags are

replaced with the identical identification and color of the lost tag (i.e. 08-06 is replaced with 08-06 –

an animal’s Ear Tag identification and color stay with it as long as it resides at Shone Farm).

Santa Rosa, Jr. College – Shone Farm’s brand is “Bar” JC and the brand is found on the right

hip of each animal.

Ear Tags used at Shone Farm are large, pierce the ear and are either “Color-Layered Engravable”

or the type where identification can be written on with a permanent pen. Cattle are eartagged as

soon after birth as possible: bull calves, on the right ear and heifer calves on the left ear in

order to allow for a Brucellosis tag on her right ear.

Ear Tags are applied so that the identification faces forward (when the handler is facing the animal,

the identification can be read). The handler shall take care to avoid piercing through large blood

vessels by piercing between the blood vessels [see pictures]. The handler should apply the tag far

enough up the ear - toward the animal’s head - so as not to increase likelihood of injury to the ear or

increase the risk of the calf catching it in a fence due to the ear bending or drooping forward.

Every Ear Tag identification starts with the year the calf is born followed by a “dash” and then the

number coinciding with the order of birth that year. For instance, a calf born 6th in 2008 would be

identified as 08-06. Every new calving season, a different color Ear Tag is used. This allows all

handlers to quickly identify the age of each animal.

Shone Farm is looking into utilizing Electronic I.D. Ear Tags in the near future.

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/li/




Identification

Ear tagging:

1. The calving field is checked by staff a minimum of 3 times per day for new or untagged calves.

2. Upon discovering a new and/or untagged calf, a minimum of 2 staff members gently restrain the calf

and apply an ear tag.

3. Ear tags are placed on the left ear of heifer calves and right ear of bull calves.

4. Ear tags are punched into the ear between the blood vessels and away from the tip.

5. Ear tags are placed so that the numbers can be seen while facing the calf.

6. If a calf loses a tag, a new one should be made and applied as soon as possible.

Ear tags:

Tools

Ear Tagger

Ear Tags

Ear Tag Buttons

Record Sheet

Technique

1. Ear tags shall be a different color every year.

2. Ear tags shall be prepared before calves are born.

3. Ear tags shall be prepared by having identification numbers engraved into them or, in the case

that engravable tags are not available, numbers shall be written on each ear tag with an ear tag

permanent pen.

4. Ear tags shall be numbered by engraving the year, a “dash” and then the number of calf born

that year. Ex: the first calf born in 2013 shall have the ear tag 13-01.



Ear tagging

Number facing forward Heifer Calf Bull Calf




Identification

Branding:

Tools

Branding Iron

Electric Clippers

2 Extension Cords

Rope

Record Sheet

Technique

1. Most branding shall be done by students in classes as a learning opportunity.

2. Any branding unable to be done by students in class shall be completed by staff.

3. The Branding Iron shall be plugged in far enough in advance so that it is at its hottest point

when branding the calves.

4. Each calf is to be brought into the calf chute/table where it is turned on its side.

5. The right hip of the calf shall be shaved with electric clippers.

6. The brand shall be placed on the animal’s right hip and held there until the brand is prominently

displayed and legible on the skin of the calf.



Branding

Right Hip

Heifer Brand Brucellosis

Tag Farm Eartag



NUTRITION

Cattle are ruminants and have four-compartment stomachs: Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum and

Abomasum. Absorbable nutrients are available to the animal after foodstuffs enter the rumen and

are broken down via microbial fermentation.

Nutritional requirements in cattle depend largely on what stage the animal is in (growth, breeding,

pregnant, lactation) and other factors (breed, sex, age, weight, genetics and environmental

conditions). Dietary components necessary for cattle to stay healthy are: water, energy, nitrogen,

vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Minerals: Mineral requirements for cattle include: calcium, phosphorus, cobalt, copper, iodine,

iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc and chlorine.

Cattle that graze or are fed hay that have a deficiency in required minerals may be supplemented.

Vitamins: Cattle have the ability to synthesize most required vitamins (B and K are synthesized in

the rumen and Vitamin D is synthesized when the cattle are exposed to sunlight and can also be

found in some sun-cured forages. Vitamins A and E are the only vitamins that may need to be

supplemented – Vitamin A precursors and Vitamin E can be found in high-quality forages.

Calf Nutrition: Orphaned calves or those not receiving enough milk from its mother may need to

be supplemented because, due to an underdeveloped rumen, it cannot utilize roughages or other

dry feeds that mature cattle can eat. Commercially available milk replacers can be fed to an

orphaned calf to meet its nutritional requirements after the initial intake of colostrum. Newborn

calves must receive proper amounts of colostrum so care must be taken to assure this. If a calf is

weak and unable to nurse, it must be tube-fed until able to nurse from a bottle (if it’s orphaned) or

from its mother. Grafting calves onto an adoptive mother is preferred over bottle feeding with a milk

replacer.

Prohibited Feedstuffs: The FDA prohibited the use of protein derived from mammalian tissue in

ruminant feed in August, 1997. Exceptions include milk, blood, porcine and equine products. As a

result, Feed manufacturers are required to label any feed containing this type of protein with “Do not

feed to cattle or other ruminants”.




Feeding

Beef Unit

Pens

Insufficient Pastures (Hay Supplementation)

Follow feeding directions laid out by Livestock Tech

Decrease number of flakes if there is hay left over by the next feeding

Increase if the animal is thin, agitated and/or crying all day

Inform Livestock Tech of any observations and changes

Quality Pastures:

Breeding Cattle

Rotate cattle on pastures of highest nutritional quality and good footing

Rotate cattle according to pasture health

Cows (Gestational Maintenance)

After breeding, start cattle on pastures with good nutritional quality - not necessarily the best

Rotate cattle according to Body Condition Scores and pasture health

Rotate cattle on pastures of highest nutritional quality in the 3rd trimester

Move pregnant cows - in groups - to calving field 2 - 3 weeks before predicted calving

Cow/Calves (Lactation Maintenance)

After calving, keep Cow/Calves in calving field for a minimum of 3 days

After 3 days, rotate Cow/Calves in small groups - according to health - to a pasture of high

nutritional quality (lactation pasture)

Rotate Cow/Calves as a group, if possible, according to Body Condition Scores and pasture

health

Feeder Cattle (Growth Maintenance)

Rotate cattle on pastures of highest nutritional quality

Rotate cattle according to pasture health

Calves (Weaned)

Move calves to a pasture of high nutritional quality next to the pasture containing the mother cows

Rotate calves away from the mother cows to a higher quality (if possible) pasture

Cows (Weaning)

Move cows to a pasture of lowest nutritional quality next to a pasture containing their calves

Rotate cows among lower quality pastures with dry grass (no irrigated fields) in order to facilitate

udder shrinkage and to avoid mastitis



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (Health)

Health and Well-being of the herd: Cattle are observed for any signs of poor health or injury

on a regular basis. Regardless of where cattle are being held (pastures, pens), they are checked

on according to what stage of life they are in (calving, lactating, weaning, breeding, etc).

Unscheduled checks are also encouraged. Examples of unscheduled checks are feeding time,

while checking fences, while checking pastures, etc. Any time a staff member is in the vicinity of

the cattle, the staff member should take the initiative to check on the animals’ well-being.

Animals should be alert, calm, eating, drinking, be able to rise, lay down and to move about. See

“Animal Health Protocol” for a more detailed explanation of what to look for in a sick or injured

animal.

If a sick or injured animal is observed, either the Livestock Technician or Farm Manager should be

contacted immediately. See “Management Practices (Illness or Injury)” for a detailed description of

how to proceed with a sick or injured animal.

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (Health)

Preventative Medical Treatment

Hoof Care: Shone Farm Cattle will be observed by the Livestock Technician for any need of hoof

care. Cattle will be treated on an as-needed basis – usually every other year - by hiring a hoof

trimmer. Hairy Heel Warts (Digital Dermatitis) is prevalent at Shone Farm, therefore any cattle

needing treatment will receive it at this time. Any foot bandages that are applied shall be removed

3 days post application.




Animal Health

Vital Signs:

Adults -

a. Temperature ~ 100 – 102.5° (degrees fahrenheit)

Mild Fever ~ 103.1 – 104.6°

Moderate Fever ~ 104.6 – 105.8°

High Fever ~ 105.8 - 107°

Very High Fever ~ 107 - 110°

b. Heart Rate ~ 40 – 70 beats per minute

c. Respiration ~ 10 – 30 breaths per minute

Calves –

a. Temperature ~ 101.5 – 102.5° (degrees fahrenheit)

b. Heart Rate ~ 100 - 120 beats per minute

c. Respiration ~ 15 - 40 breaths per minute

Signs of Illness:

Observe the animal for respiratory problems

Coughing

Labored breathing

Nasal discharge

Lesions or inflammation of the muzzle or nostrils

Observe Lactating animals for obvious signs of mastitis

Inflammation of the udder and/or teats

Red in color

Blue in color

Check for injuries

Lesions and/or contusions on the skin




Animal Health

Signs of Illness - continued:

Check for lameness

Limping

Stiffness in legs and feet

Foot rot or heel warts

Unwillingness to stand

Reluctant to move

Check the eyes

Discharge

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation around the eyes

Cloudiness or whiteness in the

Look for signs of edema

Legs

Lower jaws

Neck region

Look for any signs of unthrifty appearance

Diarrhea and/or blood

Dehydration

Depressed

Weak

Rough hair

Look for animals with lowered head and/or drooping ears



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (Health) - continued


Vaccination: Cattle vaccination programs are an important component of a herd health program.

Our Vaccination protocols are designed with specific management systems and production goals in

mind. Cows are generally vaccinated (within one month of calving) for two reasons: 1) to prevent

disease in the cow and 2) to pass immunity to the unborn calf.

Calves are vaccinated by 4 months of age and given booster vaccinations according to vaccination

directions.

Vaccination sites are in the neck in order to avoid damaging the meat.

Shone Farm uses only one Modifed Live Vaccine, however, Brucella vaccine is a live product and

must be administered only by a veterinarian. For best results, heifer calves should be vaccinated

when they are 4 to 6 months old. At the time of vaccination, a tattoo is applied in the ear that

identifies the year in which the vaccination took place.

“Brucellosis is a contagious disease of livestock that also affects humans. The disease is also known as

contagious abortion or Bang's disease in livestock. In humans, it is known as undulant fever because of the

intermittent fever accompanying infection. It is one of the most serious diseases of livestock, because it

spreads so rapidly and it is transmissible to humans.” [California Dept. of Food & Agriculture]

“Currently, there is a cooperative State-Federal brucellosis eradication program to eliminate the disease from

the livestock population in the United States. Like other animal disease eradication efforts, success of the

program depends on the participation of livestock producers. The program’s Uniform Methods and Rules set

forth the minimum standards for states to achieve eradication. States are designated brucellosis free when no

cattle or bison are found to be infected for 12 consecutive months. California has been brucellosis free since

1997.” [California Dept. of Food & Agriculture].

1. Adult Cattle will be vaccinated annually for the following as appropriate:

a. Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) vaccine

b. Parainfluenza-3 Virus (P13) vaccine

c. Infectious Bovine Rhinotrachetis (IBR) vaccine

d. Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) [Type I & II] vaccine

e. Leptospirosis 5-way vaccine -(effective against Canicola, Gripptyphosa, Hardjo,

Icterohaemorrhagia, Pomona)

f. Clostridium 8-way vaccine - effective against Chauveoi (Black Leg), Clostridium Septicum,

Sordelli (Malignant Edema), Novyi (Black Disease), Haemolyticum (Red Water Disease),

Perfringens Types C & D (Enterotoxemia)



2. Calves will be vaccinated and boostered for the following:

a. Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) vaccine

b. Parainfluenza-3 Virus (P13) vaccine

c. Infectious Bovine Rhinotrachetis (IBR) vaccine

d. Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) [Type I & II] vaccine

e. Leptospirosis 5-way vaccine -(effective against Canicola, Gripptyphosa, Hardjo,

Icterohaemorrhagia, Pomona

f. Clostridium 8-way vaccine - effective against Chauveoi (Black Leg), Clostridium Septicum,

Sordelli (Malignant Edema), Novyi (Black Disease), Haemolyticum (Red Water Disease),

Perfringens Types C & D (Enterotoxemia)

g. Branding & Castration: Tetanus Antitoxin

h. Heifer Calves (4-6 months): Brucella Abortus




Animal Health

Preventitive Medical Treatment

Vaccination:

Tools

Pistol Grip Syringe

Standard Syringes (6cc, 12cc, 24cc)

Needles (16 gauge x 1”, 16 gauge x 1 ½”)

Vaccines

BRSV, Parainfluenza-3 Virus, IBR, BVD, Leptospirosis

Clostridium

Record Sheet

Vaccine Specifics

BRSV, Parainfluenza-3, IBR, BVD, Leptospirosis

Dose: 5ml

Intramuscularly or Subcutaneously

Clostridium

Dose: 2ml

Subcutaneously

Tetanus Antitoxin

Dose: 3ml

Subcutaneously

Vaccination Techniques

Intramuscular

1. Plunge needle into neck muscle just in front of the shoulder

2. Withdraw plunger and watch for blood

3. If blood is observed, reposition needle in the muscle and re-check for blood

4. If blood is not observed, inject vaccine

Subcutaneous

1. Pull up skin (tent skin)

2. Push needle through skin


4. If blood is observed, reposition needle under the skin and re-check for blood

5. If blood is not observed, inject vaccine



Vaccinating

Tools

Injection Sites

Pistol Grip Syringe

Syringes & Needles (16 x 1” & 16 x 1 ½”)





De-Worming (Anthelmintics): Internal parasites can cause significant production losses in cattle,

resulting in substantial economic loss. Often, parasite losses are subclinical and unnoticed but

severe infestations can cause disease and even death. Subclinical production losses caused by

internal parasites include: reduced milk production; reduced weaning weights; delayed puberty and

decreased fertility in replacement heifers; reduced pregnancy rates in mature cows; and reduced

feed intake, feed efficiency and immune suppression in all classes of cattle.

A parasitic relationship exists when one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another

organism (the host). The parasite may cause harm or death to the host, if not properly controlled.

Parasites can damage and irritate stomach and intestinal linings, resulting in reduced digestion and

absorption of nutrients from the intestine as well as bleeding and protein loss from the gut.

Parasites are normally host-specific, and cattle serve as hosts for a variety of parasites. The major

threat to cattle health and performance comes from internal parasitic nematodes (worms),

especially those found in the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal parasites).

Cattle will be observed by the Livestock Technician for unthriftiness, low weight and any visible

parasites in the manure. Shone Farm Cattle will be treated with FDA-approved Anthelmintics on

an as-needed basis, in lab classes and under the advice of the livestock veterinarian (a minimum of

2 times per year). Due to the incidence of Liver Flukes, Shone Farm takes care to use de-wormers

to combat




Animal Health


De-Worming

Tools

Pistol Grip Syringe



De-Wormer

Ivomec Plus

Record Sheet

De-Wormer Specifics

Ivomec Plus

Dose: 1ml per 110lbs of body weight

Subcutaneously

Injection Technique

Subcutaneous

1. Pull up skin (tent skin)

2. Push needle through skin


4. If blood is observed, reposition needle under the skin and re-check for blood

5. If blood is not observed, inject De-Wormer

Body Weight

(lb)

Dose

(mL)

220 2

330 3

440 4

550 5

660 6

770 7

880 8

990 9

1100 10





External Parasites: External parasites cost cattle producers millions of dollars each year.

External parasites are a serious threat because they feed on body tissues such as blood, skin and

hair. The wounds and skin irritation produced by these parasites often result in discomfort and

irritation for the animal. They cause losses such as: decreased weight gain; decreased milk

production and damaged carcasses and hides. Several of these pests also transmit diseases from

animal to animal.

Pests of cattle include: horn flies, stable flies, face flies, lice, ticks, mosquitoes and several species

of horse flies. Horn flies, stable flies, face flies, horse and deer flies (tabanids), and lice are the most

damaging pests, and they all usually require control measures each year.

At this time, Shone Farm uses the product, “Cylence”. Products used by Shone Farm are subject to

change upon industry standard changes and improvements and/or upon advice of a Livestock

Veterinarian.

Shone Farm Cattle will be observed by the Livestock Technician for fly infestation and sores.

Cattle will be treated with a Pour-On Insecticide on an as-needed basis, in lab classes and under

the advice of the livestock veterinarian.



~ STANDARD OPERATIONS PROCEDURE ~

Animal Health


External Parasites:

Tools

Back Pack style application gun

Standard Syringes (12cc or 20cc)

Record Sheet

Application

1. Adults and Calves may be treated

2. Follow directions regarding dose according to cattle weight

3. Apply solution directly along the top of the back and head of the animal

4. Apply to cattle as they are standing or walking through the chute

CyLence Pour-On Insecticide:

For Control of Horn Flies, Face Flies, Biting Lice & Sucking Lice on Beef & Dairy Cattle (Including Lactating).

Cylence Pour-on Insecticide Can Be Used On Beef And Dairy Cattle (including Lactating) Of All Ages And

Sizes. Treatment For Flies Can Be Repeated As Needed But Not More Often Than Once Every 3 Weeks. For

Optimal Lice Control, An Initial Application Followed By A Second Treatment 3 weeks Later Is

Recommended.

CyLence Pour-on Insecticide Does Not Control Cattle Grubs.

Directions For Use:

It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. This labeling must

be in the possession of the user at the time of pesticide application.

Horn and Face Flies

Biting And Suckling Lice

Animal Weight

Dosage (mL)

No. of Animals This Container Will Treat Dosage

(mL)

No. of Animals This Container Will Treat

1 PT 6 PT 1 PT 6 PT

Less than 400 lbs.

4 118 709 8 59 354

400 - 800 lbs. 8 59 354 16 29 177

Over 800 lbs. 12 39 236 24 19 118



Drugs (Anthelmintics) Used to Control Parasites in Beef Cattle

Trade Name Application

Specificity

Drug Labeled Withdrawal

Ingredient Dosage Time

Cydectin 0.5% Pour-On Moxidectin

Roundworms

0 Days Lungworms 5ml / 110lbs

External Parasites Topical

Cydectin 1% Injectable Moxidectin

Roundworms


External Parasites SQ

Dectomax 1% Injectable Doramectin

Roundworms


External Parasites SQ or IM

Dectomax 0.5% Pour-On Doramectin

Roundworms



Ivomec Eprinex Pour-On Eprinomectin

Roundworms



Ivomec Pour-On Ivermectin

Roundworms



Ivomec Plus Injectable

Roundworms

49 Days Clorsulon Lungworms

Ivermectin External Parasites 1ml / 110lbs

Adult Liver Flukes SQ

Ivomec 1% Injectable Ivermectin

Roundworms


External Parasites SQ

Prohibit Powder Drench Levamisole

Roundworms

2 Days Intestinal Worms Depends on Dilution

Lungworms By Mouth



Drugs (Anthelmintics) Used to Control Parasites in Beef Cattle

Trade Name Application

Specificity

Drug Labeled Witdrawal

Ingredient Dosage Time

Safeguard 10% Drench Fenbendazole

Roundworms

8 Days Lungworms 2.3ml / 100lbs

Tapeworms By Mouth

Safeguard Paste Fenbendazole

Roundworms

8 Days Lungworms 2.3mg / lb

Tapeworms By Mouth

Safeguard Pellets Fenbendazole

Roundworms

0 Days Lungworms 1lb / 100lbs

Tapeworms By Mouth

Synanthic 9.06% Drench Oxfendazole

Roundworms

7 Days Lungworms 2.5ml / 110lbs

Tapeworms By Mouth

Levasole Drench Levamisole

Roundworms

48 Hours Intestinal Worms 1ml / 50lbs

Lungworms By Mouth

Levasole 13.65% Injectable Levamisole Roundworms 2ml / 100lbs

7 Days Lungworms SQ

Valbazan 11.36% Drench Albendazole

Roundworms 3ml / 100lbs

27 Days Lungworms By Mouth

Tapeworms Restricted Use

Adult Liver Fluke During Pregnancy





Castrating: Due to the more aggressive nature of sexually mature male cattle and the standard for

beef quality, bull calves are castrated at Shone Farm by the age of 4 months. Shone Farm

castrates calves by using Elastrator Bands shortly after birth or with the use of an Elastrator if

calves are older.

Castrating is part of the learning experience and opportunity for Shone Farm student workers and

for students in Vet practices and Beef and Dairy Science classes. Castrating is completed by

Shone Farm staff and may also be performed by students in classes.

An Emasculator is used to castrate calves that are close to or at 4 months of age – this is a surgical

procedure. Because the testicles are actually removed, castration failure is unlikely with this

procedure and post-castration discomfort is shorter than with using an elastrator band. See

Emasculator and Elastrator Tool techniques in Castration Standard Operations Procedure.

Provisions should be made to control bleeding and animals should be kept in a clean area until

healing is complete. Aseptic Techniques (sterile, sanitized, or otherwise clean of infectious

organisms) should be followed and trained personnel should be instructing and supervising to

reduce the possibility of post-castration bleeding or infection. Clean, well maintained cutting

instruments and emasculators should be used and the wound should be treated to prevent

infection. Fly control should be applied.

Post castration care of calves should include special attention and management during the week

after the procedure. Calves should be checked to make sure they are nursing or eating, drinking,

bleeding has stopped and the wound is healing normally.

Regardless of the castration method, a dose of Tetanus Antitoxin should accompany each

procedure.




Animal Health


Castration:

Tools

Elastrator Tool

Elastrator Ring



Vaccine & Bleeding Preventative

Tetanus Antitoxin

Record Sheet

Technique

1. Place an Elastrator Ring on the Elastrator Tool and squeeze handle to stretch the ring open

2. Position Elastrator Tool so that the points of the tines face the calf’s body

3. Pull the scrotum thru the stretched Elastrator Ring

4. Make sure that there are 2 testicles in the scrotum and that they are below the Ring

5. Release pressure on the Elastrator Tool so that the Ring squeezes down on the Scrotum Neck

6. Roll or push the Ring off of the Elastrator Tool until it is fully on the Scrotum Neck

7. Remove Elastrator Tool

8. Inject 2 – 3cc Tetanus Antitoxin Subcutaneously into the calf

9. Release Calf

10. Calf should be observed for any type of reaction to the Tetanus Antitoxin

11. Calf should be observed for loss of the Elastrator Ring




Animal Health


Castration:

Tools

Emasculator

Knife

Wound Spray

Fly Spray



Vaccine & Bleeding Preventative

Tetanus Antitoxin

Vitamin K

Record Sheet

Technique

12. Push the testicles up toward the body so that the lower third of the scrotum is empty

13. Grasp the tip of the scrotum between thumb and forefinger

14. Use a sharp knife or scalpel to cut across the scrotum – just above your thumb and finger – and

completely remove the tip of the scrotum

15. Pull the testicle through the incision

16. Separate the thin, white membrane from the testicle

17. Place the Emasculator over the artery, veins and spermatic cord

“NUT TO NUT”

18. Crush the blood vessels and spermatic cord by closing the Emasculator

19. Wait one minute

20. Hold Emasculator with one hand and pull testicle down and off with the other hand

21. Release Emasculator

22. Clean Emasculator between calves



Castration Tools

Elastrator Tool & Rings Emasculator




New Cattle (Purchased – Leased – Donated)

Receiving New Cattle: All new cattle to Shone Farm (purchased, leased or donated) shall be

housed in the Beef Unit. Depending on the number of animals being received, a pen or pens shall

be prepared in advance of their arrival.

Receiving pens must be clean from prior use and as dry as possible. Water shall be clean and

fresh. Hay shall be provided in the amounts listed below.

Animals shall be inspected for overall health and wellness and checked to ensure that they meet

certain specifications: gender, age, weight, etc. If any animal is observed to be unwell or they don’t

meet certain specifications, the Livestock Tech or Farm Manager shall be notified immediately. Any

animal exhibiting symptoms of illness or injury shall be penned by itself.

Staff shall exercise caution, care and use good judgment while transporting and working with

newly acquired cattle. Proper and appropriate handling techniques shall be employed while moving

cattle. In order to minimize stress and reduce risk of injury to handlers, exercise patience and care.

During their time in quarantine, animals shall be observed for any illness or injuries. If any animals

exhibit any type of health problems (See “Animal Health Protocol”), the Livestock Technician or

Farm Manager shall be notified immediately. Any animal exhibiting symptoms of illness or injury

shall be penned by itself.

Quarantine: All newly received cattle shall undergo a 10 day quarantine period in the Beef Unit in

order to be observed for illness and/or injury. If no illness or injury is observed, newly received

animals shall then spend the next 7 days in a small pasture acclimating to grass. If no illness or

injury is observed, newly received animals shall then begin the Herd Introduction process.

Herd Introduction: After the 17 day quarantine period ends and there are no signs of illness or

injury, the newly received cattle shall move to a small pasture with the steers. The cow/calf herd

should be in a pasture sharing a fence with the steers and newly received cattle. The newly

received cattle may be moved in with the main herd after all cattle have calmed down and become

used to each other’s presence.




New Cattle (Purchased – Leased – Donated)

Breeding Bull: All bulls used for breeding (purchased, leased or donated) shall undergo a

minimum 7 day quarantine period in the Beef Unit. During this time, they are to receive a Breeding

Soundness Exam (to include semen analysis) and be tested for Tritrichomonas.

After the bull passes the exam, exhibits no signs of illness or injury and as soon as the 7 day

quarantine period is over, he may be turned out with the cows, if it is breeding time. If it is not yet

breeding time, the bull shall be turned out with the steers in a pasture with secure fencing so that he

is not isolated.




Receiving

Prepare Beef Unit for new cattle:

1. Clean out and fill water tanks with fresh water

2. Provide 2 flakes of Orchard hay per animal (1 year and older)

3. Provide 1 flake of Orchard per calf

Pen Capacity (large) shall not exceed:

2 adult animals per pen

2 – 3 yearling animals (steers & heifers) per pen

4 calves per pen

Pen Capacity (small) shall not exceed:

1 adult animal per pen

2 yearling animals (steers & heifers) per pen

2 calves per pen

Quarantine:

Cattle shall remain in the barn and in quarantine for a minimum of 10 days

Cattle shall not be mixed with Shone Farm cattle until quarantine period is over

Newly acquired cattle shall be watched for signs of illness or injury

There shall be a double barrier between newly acquired cattle and Shone Farm cattle until

quarantine period is over (ex: empty pen between animals)

Pasture Introduction:

1. Newly acquired cattle may move into one of the small pastures (Coyote or Camp Pasture) after the

10 day barn quarantine period and they have exhibited NO signs of illness or injury

2. Newly acquired cattle shall remain alone in a small pasture for a minimum of 7 days (they may mix

with sheep and horses)

3. Before moving newly acquired cattle out to pasture, the Shone Farm Herd shall be moved in such a

way that the pasture they reside in will not share a fence with the new cattle (to avoid jumping)




Receiving

Herd Introduction:

1. After the newly acquired cattle have completed their 7 days in a small pasture, they may move to a

small pasture with the Shone Farm Steers

2. The newly acquired cattle & Shone Farm Steers may reside in a pasture that shares a fence with the

Shone Farm herd (it is preferable that they do)

3. Cattle shall be checked a minimum of 3 times per day for 2 days to monitor animals for

unusual/persistent aggression, injuries and to make sure they haven’t gone through any fences

4. Newly acquired cattle shall remain in the pasture with Shone Farm Steers for a minimum of 7 days

5. After the newly acquired cattle have completed their 7 days in a pasture with Shone Farm Steers,

they may be introduced into the main herd

6. Introduce newly acquired cattle into the main herd with the Shone Farm Steers

7. Cattle shall be checked a minimum of 3 times per day for 2 days to monitor animals for

unusual/persistent aggression, injuries and to make sure they haven’t gone through any fences

8. If there is an animal that fails any introduction period, that animal shall be separated and a

supervisor notified immediately

Breeding Bull:

1. Bulls brought in for the sole purpose of breeding Shone Farm Cows (lease or rental agreement) shall

remain in the barn and in quarantine for a minimum of 7 days

2. Bulls shall be observed for all of the health concerns listed above

3. Bulls shall have a Breeding Soundness Exam before being turned out with the cows

4. Bulls shall undergo a test for Tritrichomonas fetus test before being turned out with the cows

5. Bulls shall be weighed and weight shall be documented

6. Bulls shall be vaccinated upon owner’s request



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (Illness & Injury)

It is paramount that cattle welfare is checked on a regular basis in order to recognize – as soon

as possible – when an animal is sick or injured. The sooner an unwell animal is noticed, the higher

the likelihood that it will recover and with minimum cost. Any signs of illness or injury – no matter

how slight - shall be reported to the Livestock Technician or Farm Manager as soon as possible.

Isolating an animal is not always the correct answer - there are situations that will warrant

complete isolation with no freedom to move about, however, simple separation is also an option in

certain cases. Isolation would occur in the Beef Unit within one of the available pens where the

animal would remain until recovery occurs. Simple Separation may be one of the following: 1.

house an animal in a pen and allow the animal access to a small turn-out area, yet, away from its

herd mates until recovery occurs 2. construct a small pen within an area where herd mates are

pastured, yet, no physical contact with its herd mates until recovery occurs. In most cases, cattle

that start their recovery period in complete isolation, move to simple separation as their recovery

progresses.

If a cow with a calf at her side is sick or injured, every effort possible will be made to keep the

cow/calf pair together. Isolation and separation does not mean a cow away from its calf or a calf

away from its dam, necessarily.

After complete recovery has occurred, a sick or injured animal will be returned with his or her herd

mates. The animal shall be checked at least 2 times per day for one week (7 days) thereafter to

ensure its reintroduction to the herd is complete and that further illness or injury has not occurred.

In the event that an illness or injury may result in permanent disfigurement that would affect quality

of life or, that the animal, in no way, can ever recover from, the animal will be humanely euthanized.

The decision for an animal to be euthanized will be made by the Livestock Technician, Farm

Manager or Veterinarian.



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (Illness & Injury) - continued

Medications in stock: In the event an illness or injury, medications are available and kept on site

at Shone Farm. All medications are administered under the advisement of a livestock Veterinarian.

No student is to take it upon themselves to medicate an animal without the express permission of

the Livestock Technician, Farm Manager or Livestock Veterinarian.

Medications available at Shone Farm are used to treat the Livestock upon injury or illness -

medications, such as antibiotics, are not used for any purpose other than in response to an unthrifty

or injured animal. Medications are used at Shone Farm to treat animals and to: relieve pain,

suffering and stress; aid in healing; improve health; prevent illness.

All medications have labels intact with drug name, dose strength (concentration), dose form

(formulation: tablets, powder, caplets, etc), total amount or volume, directions for preparation of

solution, storage and use information, label warnings, expiration date, controlled substances,

National Drug Code (NDC) – every prescription medication package is required by Federal law to

have an NDC number (a 10-digit identifying number for each medication) assigned by the DEA

(Drug Enforcement Agency), Lot or Control Number (every medication package are required by

Federal Law to have a lot or control number to identify a particular group of medication packages,

NADA (New Animal Drug Application) (a single unique NADA number assigned to each drug

approval by the FDA, Name of the Manufacturer.

Prior to medicating an animal, students are instructed in the proper use of syringes and needles

and administration of medications by: qualified staff; class instruction; livestock veterinarian.

All medications are refrigerated to maintain temperature control.

Provisions are being made to provide a more secure storage system for medications.




Medications

1. NSAID (Non-narcotic, Nonsteroidal, Analgesic Agent With Anti-inflammatory And Antipyretic – fever

reducing - Activity)

a. Banamine

2. Antibiotics (capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria)

a. Penicillin

Fights Gram-Positive Organism

Narrow Spectrum

Treats bacteria including, but not limited to: staphylococci ("staph"), streptococci ("strep"),

pneumococci

b. Oxytetracycline (LA200, Vetrimycin 200)

Fights Gram-Positive Organism & Gram-Negative Organisms

Broad Spectrum

Treats bacteria including, but not limited to: Mycoplasma, Spirochetes (including Lyme

Disease organism, Chlamydia, Rickettsia, Staphylococcus and Streptococci.

Treats Gram-Positive bacteria including, but not limited to: Clostridium Perfringens,

Tetani, Listeria, Brucella

Many types E. Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa are resistant to tetracylines.

Has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects.

Can suppress Prostaglandin synthesis.

c. Nuflor (Florfenicol)

Fights Gram-Positive & Gram-Negative

Broad Spectrum

Treats bacteria including, but not limited to: Pasteurella Haemolytica, Pasteruells

Multocida & Haemophilus Somnus (BRD) and foot rot.

http://www.nuflor.com/nuflor_glance/faq.asp

http://www.nuflor.com/diseases/brd.asp

http://www.nuflor.com/diseases/fr.asp

http://www.nuflor.com/nuflor_glance/faq.asp




Medications

3. Steroids

a. Dexamathazone (anti-inflammatory)

b. Lutalyse (stimulates myometrial activity, induces either abortion or parturition, evacuates

postpartum uterine debris)

Primary use: evacuating retained placenta

Students with asthma or any bronchial disease are cautioned to handle this with the

utmost care and all students are taught to use gloves. Pregnant women should not

handle prostaglandin or its container. If accidental exposure occurs, the exposed area

should be washed and a physician contacted immediately.

c. Oxytocin (Oxytocin causes rhythmic contractions in the uterus. Causes labor, accelerates

parturition, evacuates postpartum uterine debris)

Primary use: milk let down

d. Epinephrine (relaxes smooth muscle of bronchi and iris, provides relief of anaphylactic reactions)

4. Vitamins

a. Vitamin B (stimulates appetite)

b. Vitamin K (slows down excessive bleeding)




Illness and Injury




Illness and Injury




Illness and Injury




Illness and Injury




Illness and Injury

Illness or Injury (able to move) – Respiratory, Udder, Eyes, Diarrhea, Slight Lameness

1. Observe cattle as outlined in “Animal Health Standard Operating Procedure”

2. Notification of sick or injured animal:

Livestock Technician (if on duty)

Farm Manager (any time and if Livestock Technician is unavailable)

3. If an animal is exhibiting any signs of illness or injury but is not limited in its ability to walk, it

should be brought up to the barn for observation

4. Try to have at least 2 people to move the cattle

5. If it is a cow, check to see if she has a calf and bring it up with her

6. If it is a calf, bring up its dam with it

7. It is always advisable to move a target animal with other cattle

8. Do not attempt to move an animal by itself in a pasture – they will instinctively seek out other

cattle (see Behavior) and run from you in another direction.

9. In moving a group, you have the option of sorting off the ones you don’t need, later – in the barn

10. When moving a sick animal, move her as slowly as she has to go (e.g. labored breathing,

lameness, weakness may be factors)

11. Follow the directions in “Receiving Standard Operating Procedure” to set up a pen for the sick

animal to be isolated in

12. If the animal is well enough to go through the chute, perform tasks related to the issue and

gather all information possible regarding her health as quickly as possible:

Temperature

Dehydration (skin pinch test)

Collect questionable looking manure (mucus, bloody, foul-smelling)

Labored Breathing (is it an obstruction or coming from the lungs)

Check for heat on afflicted area (udder, teats, eye, lesion, abrasion, contusion, etc)

Check for inflammation and edema

Check for foul odor in wounds

Clean any debris away from nostrils, eyes, wounds




Illness and Injury - continued

Illness or Injury (able to move) – Respiratory, Udder, Eyes, Diarrhea, Slight Lameness

13. Once in the pen, observe the animal to see if it eats or drinks

14. Formulate all information so that it can be passed on appropriately to supervisors and

veterinarian

15. Follow Up Notification:



Veterinarian (as advised by Livestock Technician or Farm Manager or, if neither of

those is available or reachable)

16. Follow directions given by the Livestock Technician, Farm Manager or Veterinarian

17. Inform fellow workers of the sick or injured animal and leave directions on its care

Illness or Injury (unable to move)





3. If an animal is exhibiting any signs of illness or injury and is limited in its ability to walk, it should

remain where it is

4. If it is a cow, check to see if she has a calf and find it

5. If possible, construct a pen around the animal consisting of single panel sides

6. If possible, offer the animal water

7. Do not attempt to doctor or touch a down animal – it may panic and injure you

8. Gather all information possible regarding her health as quickly as possible:


Visually check for wounds and broken bones

Visually check for inflammation and edema

Visually check for questionable looking manure (mucus, bloody, foul-smelling)

9. Once in the pen, observe the animal to see if it eats or drinks


veterinarian





Illness or Injury (unable to move)




Veterinarian (as advised by Livestock Technician or Farm Manager or, if neither of

those is available or reachable)


13. Inform fellow workers of the sick or injured animal and leave directions on its care

Illness or Injury (emergencies)





3. If an animal is exhibiting any signs of having a traumatic injury (severe blunt force trauma,

penetrating trauma, broken limb, deep laceration, etc) that may result in death or permanent

disfigurement and unable to walk, it should remain where it is

4. If it is a cow, check to see if she has a calf and find it

5. If possible, construct a pen around the animal consisting of single panel sides

6. Do not attempt to doctor or touch a down animal – it may panic and injure you

7. Gather all information possible regarding her health as quickly as possible:


Visually check for wounds (deep lacerations) and broken bones


Visually check for excessive blood



veterinarian





Illness or Injury (emergencies)




Veterinarian (as advised by Livestock Technician or Farm Manager or, if neither

of those is available or reachable)

Livestock disposal company


3. Euthanasia shall be performed by the Livestock Veterinarian or trained personnel

4. Disposal of euthanized animals shall occur as soon as possible by notifying the local livestock

disposal company and arranging for pick up – animals shall not be buried




Diseases

a. Blackleg

Clostridium Chauvoei

Bacteria (gas producing) that lives in the soil.

The spores of the organism can live in the soil for several years and enters a

calf’s body by ingestion. It enters through small punctures in the mucous

membranes of the digestive tract. It most often occurs in animals between 6

and 12 months old – during rapid weight gain.

Signs: lameness, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, high fever and depressed

state. Swelling: hip, shoulder, chest, back, neck. Swelling is small, hot and

painful then progresses to become enlarged, spongy and gaseous. Gas can

be felt under the skin when pressed upon.

Death occurs within 12 to 48 hours.

Cattle are often found dead without observation of illness and death occurs

so rapidly that treatment is useless.

Preventable by vaccination.

b. Bloat

Severe indigestion

Excess gas in the rumen that the animal is unable to expel. Foam or froth

may form which further inhibits expelling of gases.

Bloat is caused by a sudden over-abundance of lush grasses and can be

inheritable.

Signs: distention of the rumen (left side of the body), feet stomping, kicking

at the belly, labored breathing, frequent urination or defecating and sudden

collapse.

Prevention can involve pasture rotation, adding dry roughages and having

pastures contain no more than 50% of alfalfa or clover.




Diseases

c. Bovine Spongioform Encephalopathy (BSE) [Mad Cow Disease]

Misfolded Proteins (Prions) in the brain.

Transmitted by feeding cattle meat and bone meal derived from infected

cattle. It is resistant to heat and disinfectants and it is not destroyed by the

rendering process.

Signs: May not show signs for 3 – 6 years after exposure. Affects the

nervous system. Nervousness, aggressive behavior, weight loss, lack of

coordination, abnormal posture and difficulty in rising. Symptoms progress

over a period of 2 – 6 months.

Confirmation of the disease can only be done after death by testing the

animal’s brain.

There is no treatment for BSE.

Preventable by not feeding cattle meat and bone meal derived from

ruminants and by reporting diseased animals.

d. Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD)

Virus

A cow infected during days 50 and 100 of gestation are likely to abort. A

cow infected prior to 120 days of gestation may produce “Persistently

Infected” (PI) calves: when an immune response does not occur, therefore,

they are antigen positive but antibody negative.

Signs of a PI calf: stunted growth, compromised fertility and susceptibility to

other diseases.

Signs in non-pregnant animals: presents as a respiratory disease

(conjunctivitis, lethargy, depression, cough and decreased milk yield in

cows).

There is no treatment for BVD.





Diseases

e. Brucellosis (“Bangs” Disease)

Brucella Abortus

Bacteria

Lives in the Cow’s reproductive tract

Spread from the infected cow’s vaginal discharge or from an aborted fetus.

Infected breeding bulls can pass the disease to cows at breeding time via

infected semen. An infected cow’s milk may also contain the organism and

causes Undulant Fever in humans.

Signs: abortions, retained placentas, weak calves and infertility.

There is no treatment for Brucellosis.


f. Calf Scours

Symptom of a disease – not a disease.

The infectious agent and cause of scours can be a Virus (BVD, Rotavirus,

Coronavirus), Bacteria (E. Coli, Salmonella, Enterotoxemia) or Protozoa

(Coccidiosis, Cryptosporidium).

Scours can be caused by the failure of the calf to obtain enough colostrum at

birth, therefore, not ingesting the proper antibodies necessary for survival.

The danger is in the loss of fluids – causing an imbalance in electrolytes and

dehydration.

Signs: Diarrhea that is white, yellow, grey, bloody and foul-smelling.

Treatment should be directed toward correcting dehydration, acidosis and

electrolyte loss. Antibiotics should also be administered.

Death may occur without treatment. The younger the calf, the more

susceptible.




Diseases

g. Cancer Eye (Bovine Ocular Neoplasia)

Variety of Benign and Malignant skin tumors of the eyeball and eyelids.

Occurs in cattle that have non-pigmented skin around the eyes.

Treatment includes: surgery; cryosurgery (freezing); hyperthermia (heating)

or a combination of these. Success rate if caught early is around 90%.

Prevention includes culling susceptible animals.

h. Coccidiosis

Parasite

Calves become infected when they are placed on pastures or in lots

contaminated by older cattle or other infected calves.

Signs are diarrhea, rough coat, loss of appetite, weight loss, straining, stools

containing blood, mucus or stringy tissue.

Treatment includes segregating and providing a coccidiostat.

Parasites thrive in wet areas, therefore, keeping conditions clean and dry

helps to keep parasite levels down. Avoid crowding animals or putting

calves in unsanitary conditions.

i. Epizootic Bovine Abortion (EBA) [Foothill Abortion]

Infectious agent is unknown.

The Pajaroello Tick is the vector.

Causes abortion in cows.

There is no treatment.

Cattle exposed to the ticks (and the EBA agent they carry) develop an

immunity that prevents abortion with any future exposure. Exposing cattle

(breeding age heifers) to the ticks before they are pregnant, it appears to

protect them from abortion. Culling is not necessary.




Diseases

j. Foot Rot

Bacteria

Bacteria penetrates the skin between the toes and results in infection. Mud

and wet manure can soften the skin and any type of bruising can make the

feet more susceptible.

Lameness seems to occur suddenly – usually on one foot. Little weight will

be put on the foot while standing, however, some weight will be put on the

foot while walking or running. There will be swelling in the foot, possibly

some pus and a break in the skin between the claws. The animal may have

a moderate fever and will be in pain.

Recovery on their own often occurs. Treating animals with antibiotics

(Penicillin, Tetracyclines, Sodium Sulfadimidine, Sulfabromomethazine) and

housing them on a dry surface, if caught early, may result in recover in

approximately 4 days.

k. Grass Tetany

Metabolic Disorder: low level of Magnesium in the blood serum.

Usually in the spring following a cool period when cattle are grazing on

immature and succulent grass. It most often affects the older, best cattle in

the herd that usually have calves under 2 months old. It can happen in any

cattle, however. High nitrogen fertilization – especially in soils high in

potassium and aluminum – reduces magnesium availability.

Animals are often found dead without signs and symptoms having been

noticed. Signs include convulsions, coma and death initiating with and

uncoordinated gait.

Prevent by grazing less susceptible cattle on high risk pastures: Dry cows,

steers, heifers, calves over 4 months old.




Diseases

l. Hairy Heel Warts (Digital Dermititis and Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis)

Cause: unknown

First calf heifers are the ones most commonly affected. 96% of Foot Warts

contain bacteria. Poorly drained or abrasive surfaces may be a factor.

Symptoms are severe lameness in the hind feet. They walk on their toes,

have clubbed hooves, lose weight, milk yield and fertility is decreased.

Clean, topical antibiotics and a wrap are usually effective as treatment.

Antibiotic or chemical foot spray is effective.

Prevent by maintaining a dry environment and preventing wet and muddy

manure from caking on the cattle’s lower legs.

m. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/search.html?qt=Infectious+Bovine+Rhinotracheiti

s&start=1&context=%2Fvet

n. Leptospirosis

http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/generalized_conditions/leptospirosis/leptospirosi

s_in_cattle.html?qt=Leptospirosis&alt=sh

o. Listeriosis

http://www.merckmanuals.com

p. Pinkeye


q. Red Water Disease


r. Ringworm


s. Trichomoniasis


t. Warts


http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/search.html?qt=Infectious+Bovine+Rhinotracheitis&start=1&context=%2Fvet

http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/search.html?qt=Infectious+Bovine+Rhinotracheitis&start=1&context=%2Fvet

http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/generalized_conditions/leptospirosis/leptospirosis_in_cattle.html?qt=Leptospirosis&alt=sh

http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/generalized_conditions/leptospirosis/leptospirosis_in_cattle.html?qt=Leptospirosis&alt=sh

http://www.merckmanuals.com/








MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (Reproduction, Pregnancy, Parturition, Lactation and Weaning)

Shone Farm cattle assist and enhance the value of a student’s experience by helping to

facilitate the practical portion of classes, therefore, calving is planned around class needs. The

cows is exposed to the bull around January 1st until mid to late March so that the calves are born

from approximately October to December.

The cows are “flushed” for at least 4 weeks prior to breeding and the bull is “flushed” as close to 4

weeks prior as possible – depending on whether or not he is on the premises. Underweight and

overweight cows have a higher failure rate of pregnancy than cows that have a BCS of “5” or “6”,

therefore, the target Body Condition Score at breeding time is “5”.

If the bull is leased, it is recommended that he be received 1 month prior to breeding in order to be

properly flushed and undergo a health and breeding soundness exam. This allows time for a

replacement bull to be received, examined and tested if the intended bull doesn’t pass all tests.

After flushing, the herd remains on high quality pasture in order to maintain proper weight and

health during the breeding season. If possible (and depending on the size of the heifers), the bull is

exposed to the heifers first and then turned out with the cows to continue breeding.

During breeding season, the herd is checked a minimum of once per day to make sure that there

are no injuries to the cows, bull or calves. Attention is paid to the bull to make sure his condition

stays good and that he maintains a BCS of “5”. If he is a young bull, attention is paid to his

continued growth and healthy musculature in order to ensure that he makes target weight at

maturity.

Once the breeding season is over, the bull is returned to his owner (if he is leased). The cows are

rotated to medium quality pasture in order to maintain their weight until the last trimester, at which

time, they should are moved to the appropriate pastures based on their BCS. If the cows score a

BCS of over “6” at their 3rd trimester, they are moved to a less nutritious pasture so that they aren’t

gaining too much weight and so that their fetus isn’t growing too large – leading to dystocia. If the

cows score less than a BCS of “5”, they are moved to a higher quality pasture in order to maintain

them and their pregnancy. Often, cows may have to be separated at this time, based on their BCS.

All cows and heifers exposed to the bull are checked for pregnancy around 4 months after the

exposure. Pregnancy checks are conducted during classes by the livestock veterinarian where the

students are instructed in technique and gain practical experience. It is at this time that the

livestock veterinarian estimates how far each cow is in her gestation.

Based on the gestation estimations, heifers and cows are moved into the calving field (Camp

Pasture), in groups, approximately 3 weeks prior to calving. Heifers are moved in first;



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (Reproduction, Pregnancy, Parturition, Lactation and Weaning) - cont

regardless if they’re predicted date is later in the season because they may need special handling

and care and they need to be watched more closely.

The calving field is a large, clean area that is irrigated during the dry months so it always has

grass. The level of nutrition in the fall/winter when calving occurs is such that it will support

lactating cows until they move to a larger pasture with their calf. The proximity and accessibility of

the Camp Pasture also allows for ease of movement of the cow or cow/calf to the barn in case of

illness, injury or calving problems.

Once cows are moved into the calving pasture, all cows are checked 3 times per day for new

calves or signs of labor – regardless of where they are being kept. Gestation estimations are rough

estimations that are never to be used as exact data - there are occasions when cows calve in the

non-calving pasture. If this occurs, an attempt should be made to move the cow and new

calf/calves into the calving pasture where they can be observed and where predators are least likely

to be a problem.

Calves are eartagged immediately upon discovering them or, if a birth is witnessed, as soon as

possible thereafter. The longer a calf is left untagged, the harder it is to catch them, hold them and

apply the tag. Ideally, a minimum of 2 staff members should attempt to tag a calf, however, there

are occasions when the task can be accomplished by one person. Forethought and safety shall be

employed at all times to avoid injury to staff and animals. Knowing where the dam is at all times

and recognizing signs of aggression are paramount (see Behavior).

Upon the birth of a calf, it should be monitored to make sure it stands and nurses and that the dam

lets it and accepts the calf. The pair is then observed and care should be taken that they have

bonded and the calf has received colostrum. If, at any time, the calf has trouble nursing (due to

weakness, engorged teats or an unwilling dam, etc), the pair should be brought into the barn and

housed in a pen together (as long as the dam is not aggressive toward the calf). If the teat is

engorged with milk and too large for the calf, the cow is brought into the squeeze chute and milked

down enough where the calf can nurse. The calf is brought to the side of the squeeze chute and

encouraged to nurse. If the cow (usually a heifer) absolutely refuses to stand still for nursing – even

in the pen – she should be brought into the squeeze chute so that her calf can nurse. If the calf is

unable to nurse off of the cow while she’s in the chute, the cow must be

milked into a bottle so that the calf can be bottle fed. If the calf is too weak to nurse off of its dam or

the bottle, the calf must be tube fed.



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (Reproduction, Pregnancy, Parturition, Lactation and Weaning) - cont

A recording folder is kept with the ear tagging supplies at all times. The folder lists cows and

calves with room to write notes next to each one. Notes should be written regarding any concerns,

cow or calf behaviors and calving ease or difficulties. There is also a page where data concerning

each calf (birth weight, color, number, dam) is to be maintained each time a new calf is born. Care

should be taken to record accurate data in order for all staff members to be informed.

Cow/calves should be moved in small groups to the Road Pasture (where the pasture is of high

nutritional quality) during lactation after the calves are strong enough to do so and after there are at

least 3 cow/calf pairs that can move together. Depending on the health of the cows and calves,

they can be moved over as soon as when the calves are 4 days old, however, some will take

longer. The Livestock Technician will observe and monitor the progress of the calves, with the help

of staff, to determine when cow/calves should be moved to the bigger pasture. Regardless of

where calves are located, they should continue to be checked 3 times per day for health and

welfare.

The Cow/Calf (Road) Pasture is closely monitored by the Livestock Technician to determine when

the cattle should be rotated to another pasture. When pasture quality is low, the cattle will be

rotated to West Pasture and may need to be supplemented with Orchard and/or Alfalfa Hay –

depending on their condition and the condition of their udders and calves (see Nutrition). The cattle

are rotated from pasture to pasture as determined by their condition and quality of the pastures. At

times, it is necessary to have slaughter animals separate and on different pastures as they are

prepared and finished for slaughter.

During Lactation, the cattle herd is rotated to pastures of higher nutritional quality, if possible. If

that isn’t possible, the herd should be supplemented with Orchard and/or Alfalfa Hay.

When the youngest calf reaches 6 months of age, weaning of the calves should begin, providing

all calves are healthy and close to 700lbs. Cows and calves are put in 2 different pastures that are

separated by a high quality fence. This allows the animals to see and hear each other, which will

prevent cows from wandering through fences searching for their calves.

Ideally, the calves should be in the West Pasture on dry grass and the cows should be in the Hill

Pasture or Coyote Pasture and being fed low quality hay. If the nutritional value of the pasture is

too low to sustain the calves, they are to be supplemented with Alfalfa Hay in an area away from

their dams. When the calves become independent of their dams and move further away from them

to eat, the calves are moved to a high quality pasture and the cows are moved to a low quality

pasture without supplementation as long as there is dry grass for them to eat.




Reproduction, Pregnancy, Parturition, Lactation and Weaning

Reproduction

1. Breeding cattle are “flushed” (provided with high quality feed) approximately 4 weeks prior to

breeding

2. Bull is received 4 weeks prior to breeding and undergoes a quarantine period in the Porter Barn

Beef Unit where he receives high quality hay

3. Bull has a health and Breeding Soundness Exam (see New Cattle)

4. Cows and Heifers are exposed to the bull on or around January 1st

5. Breeding animals and calves are checked a minimum of 1 time per day to make sure they are in

good health and that there are no injuries

6. Bull remains with the cows and heifers until mid to late March

7. Bull is penned in the Beef Unit upon completion of breeding season to await transportation home

8. Bull recieves high quality hay until his departure

Pregnancy

1. Staff assists the Livestock Technician in monitoring cattle for health and good body condition

during pregnancy

2. Staff assists Livestock Technician in rotating cattle to different pastures as needed

Parturition

1. One month prior to predicted calving, cows are checked a minimum of 3 times / day

2. Cows are monitored for any physical changes leading to parturition

3. The Cow Check Folder accompanies staff on checks so that any changes in the cows can be

notated and so that staff can check off each eartag number as it is observed

4. When a calf is born, the staff member/s present make sure it is breathing freely, stands and

nurses and is healthy

5. After a calf is born, it is eartagged as soon as possible (see Ear Tagging)




Reproduction, Pregnancy, Parturition, Lactation and Weaning - cont

Calving Observation & Response

1. If a staff member witness a calf being born, they should stay a good distance away so that the

cow feels comfortable to lay down and get up in order to expel the calf

2. The staff member should notify the Livestock Technician (if on duty) of an impending birth

3. The staff member should notify other staff of an impending birth in the event assistance is needed

4. If, after the water breaks, the cow continues to struggle in labor for an hour, humane intervention

most likely should occur

5. As the calf emerges, the staff member should observe the orientation of the calf (front feet and

nose first)

6. If a staff member suspects a cow is suffering from dystocia, they should notify the Livestock

Technician or Farm Manager as soon as possible

7. If the Livestock Technician and Farm Manager are unavailable, the Livestock Veterinarian should

be notified (see Illness or Injury) for steps to be followed in an emergency

8. The cow should be moved into the Porter Barn so that she can be helped

9. Do not put the cow in the cattle squeeze chute to pull a calf

10. Follow the directions of the Livestock Technician, Farm Manager or Livestock Veterinarian on

how to proceed with the dystocia

Lactation

1. Cow/Calf pairs are checked 3 times per day until told otherwise

2. Cows should be observed for good body condition

3. Cows should be observed for good udder condition

4. Calves should be observed for good body condition, alertness and activity level

5. Calves should be observed nursing, grazing, eating hay and drinking water

6. If problems associated with lactation are observed or suspected, the affected animal/s should be

brought into the beef unit and penned for observation (see Illness or Injury)

7. The Livestock Technician or Farm Manager should be notified of any Lactating issues

Weaning

1. During weaning, cattle are checked a minimum of 3 times per day

2. Animals are observed for good health and well being

3. Animals are counted daily to ensure none have gone through fences or left the property

4. Once weaning is completed, cattle are checked 2 times per day until the Livestock Technician

determines it is no longer necessary



Cow / Calf - Fall Calving System

Pasture

Hay Supplement

Hay Supplement Hay Supplement

Pre-Calving Shots

Breeding Preg Check Bull BSE

Weaning Calving

Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec



BASIC BEEF COW BIOLOGY

Trait Optimum Target

Reproduction

Birth Weight - Calves from Heifers 55lbs

Birth Weight - Calves from Cows 60lbs

Age at Puberty 13 - 14 months

Weight at Puberty - Heifers 700 - 800lbs

Weight at Puberty - Bulls ≈ 1,000lbs

Gestation 283 Days

Age at First Calving 24 Months

Postpartum Interval to Breeding ≈ 90 Days

Calving Interval 365 Days

Calving Season ≈ 70 Days

Growth & Nutrition

Mature Bull Weight - Avg Range 1,800 - 2,200 lbs

Mature Cow Weight - Avg Range 1,200 lbs

Dry Matter Intake - Late Gestation 1.8 - 2.3% of body weight

Water Intake - Nonlactating @ 85°F ≈ 1 gal / 100lbs body weight

Water Intake - Growing or Lactating @ 85°F ≈ 2 gal / 100lbs body weight

Weaning Weight - Steer @ 7 Months ≈ 600lbs





Beef Cattle

Shone Farm:

Shone Farm: Livestock

7450 Steve Olson Ln

Forestville, Ca 95436

1-707-535-3700

Leonard Diggs

Farm Manager

1-707-535-3702

[email protected]

Livestock Guidelines

Management Guidelines

Beef Cattle

Beef Cattle Rough Draft: Attention Leonard Diggs

Company profile Beef Cattle are raised at Shone Farm to assist and enhance the value

of a student’s experience by helping to facilitate the practical portion of classes as well as for customer sales and processing for sales.

The number of animals kept on the premises is based on class needs, customer needs and the needs of Shone Farm regarding reproduction and processing for consumption and sales.

Shone Farm has approximately 100 acres of grazing land for Cattle and other livestock: Irrigated acres = 60 and Dry acres = 40