Injection site lesions
Beef carcass imperfections caused by injections cost the Canadian beef industry $26 million a year.
This is a costly problem producers can reduce, said Terry Grajczyk, beef and sheep industry specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture.
“This spring, when calves have pneumonia or any other reason for injections, producers should stop and think about the possible lesions they may be leaving for consumers. New information has shown that even non-visible lesions can affect the tenderness of up to six steaks,” she said.
Intra-muscular injections should be given in the animal’s lower-value cuts: into the neck in front of the shoulder, or at the top of the shoulderblade, said Grajczyk.
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“But producers should read the label first. More and more products are now registered for subcutaneous injection, often called ‘sub-Q’, ” she said.
Sites for subcutaneous injections are where there is loose skin that can be grabbed.
Lift the skin to form a tent and slide the needle on an angle under the skin. The needle should be one to two centimetres, but producers should check this with a veterinarian. To avoid hitting the muscle, the needle shouldn’t be inserted too deep.
Grajczyk said products for the treatment of pneumonia, pinkeye and foot rot are available for subcutaneous injection. She suggested producers talk to their veterinarian about which one to use.
She said producers should also get advice before using products in a manner not covered by the label. That includes using a product intended for cattle on a different species or using a different method of injection other than that stated on the label.
“Rather than giving extra dosages … producers should ask the vet what dosage level is acceptable,” she said.
Repeat injections for blackleg should be avoided; one injection plus a booster is all that’s needed. Use of dirty needles should be avoided as well, because the injection of foreign material can cause a lesion. Producers should not use the same needle more than 10 to 15 times.
Grajczyk said new seven and eight-way vaccines have been developed for two-cc injections instead of five-cc injections. Producers should follow label recommendations, because these vaccines for blackleg appear to be particularly irritating to muscle. They have a high incidence of injection-site lesions.
– Saskatchewan Agriculture
