– Steve Boyles, Beef Extension Specialist
Lauren Mabry at North Carolina State University conducted a study comparing estrous synchronization protocols in beef cattle regarding injection sites on cattle. Beef quality assurance protocols have been very important for improving the quality of beef that producers provide for consumers. One of the main recommendation points of many beef quality assurance protocols is to alter the injection sites to the neck to avoid injection blemishes in the more valuable cuts of beef from the rump. One misconception could be that drugs administered in the rump might be more effective due to the close proximity of the reproductive tract. For these reasons, research was conducted at two different locations to compare injection site effectiveness. For experiment 1 at the first location in North Carolina the injection site of PGF had no effect on conception rates. For experiment 2 in Ohio (ATI), it was also observed that injection site had no effect on conception. Here is the master’s thesis on the research: http://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/ir/bitstream/1840.16/9132/1/etd.pdf
When injecting into the neck muscle, consider using a longer needle (1.5 inch). It appears that it is more difficult to get to the neck muscles and using the longer needle will aid in depositing the product in the muscle. For these products to act effectively, they must be deposited in the site or sites listed on the label.
I recently discussed injection sites in the rump with a representative of a packing company. When they are cutting up rounds and an abscess gets fluid in the cutting surface, it only takes 1-minute to clean and sanitize the area. However, to clean and sanitize the area they must stop the line for that 1-minute. That 1-minute costs them $125.