Beef Quality Assurance Chapter 5

Which of the following are considered good biosecurity measures? Check all that apply.

• Move and unload new breeding stock away from the rest of the herd
• Observe animals as they unload for signs of sickness, remove from the group when necessary
• Clean and disinfect the trailer after hauling cattle, especially those of unknown origin
• Clean and disinfect boots and hands after visiting or handling cattle with an unknown history
• Vaccinate and administer preventative antibiotics to all new animals

Select the TWO largest sources of stress for cattle during their lifetime. You must pick 2 and only 2 answers.

• Birthing
• Euthanization
• Weather
• Weaning
• Transportation

In order to prepare cattle for a long transportation event, pens should be located far away from loading and unloading areas. Cattle need exercise before riding for a long trip.

• True
• False

The best way to avoid having downer cattle is to design and conduct procedures to prevent cattle from becoming non-ambulatory.

• True
• False

What are acceptable method for moving downer cattle?

• A sled
• Low-boy trailer
• Being rolled into the bucket of a loader
• Pulled gently by a chain

Which of the following are strategies to increase cattle safety during transportation?

• Always have an alternate route planned in the event something goes wrong
• Eat, text, and check email to help you stay awake when driving
• Take power naps for 15-20 minutes when necessary
• Pass drivers operating below the speed limit on narrow roads to ensure you arrive on time
• Always load trailers as full as possible to reduce the need for multiple trips, creating driver fatique

Before transporting animals, it is your responsibility to verify that all animals are fit to ship.

• True
• False

Which of these describes cattle that are unfit for transport?

• Cattle that have passed all treatment withdrawal times
• Cattle that have recovered from being exhausted or dehydrated
• Ambulatory cattle with a recent fracture, unrelated to mobility, to be transported directly to a packing or processing facility
• Cattle that pose a public health threat

Which of these describes cattle that are fit for transport?

• Non-ambulatory cattle
• Heifers or cows where calving is imminent and likely to occur during the transportation or marketing process
• Cattle with a body condition score greater than 2 (for both beef and dairy scale)
• Cattle that require mechanical assistance (hip lifts) to rise and walk

After cattle have been loaded, it is best to pull away from the chute as fast as possible.

• True
• False