Page 30 - MWC 9-15-2022s2
P. 30
The Midwest Cattleman · September 15, 2022 · P30
What Is the Best Needle Size to Use When Working Cattle?
By Paige Carlson
Does it matter what size Beef Cattle Institute. sheep, and
needle I use? Is there a one- Needle size has two compo- swine.
size-fits-all? nents—diameter and length. Additional-
Choosing a needle isn’t Consider both components to ly, the viscosity
quite as simple as grabbing appropriately match the job of the product
any random one out of the being done. should help de-
vet box. Especially if your op- Needle Gauge termine a prop-
eration consists of animals of The diameter, or gauge, er needle diam-
different sizes and ages, it’s should vary depending on two eter. Logically,
important to consider several factors: thicker, more
factors, say the veterinarians • the size of the animal viscous flu-
at Kansas State University’s ids should be
• viscosity of the product administered
Bob Larson, DVM,
shares his “go-to” using a larger
bore needle to help the prod-
needle preferences. time and place, though they
For cows, he typical- uct flow faster into the animal. pose a greater risk of break-
Alternately, most water-based
ly uses a 16-gauge age, especially when working
needle, unless draw- products tend to be less vis- larger numbers of cattle.
cous and can be used with a
ing blood or admin- How Often Should I
istering IV fluids, smaller bore needle. Change the Needle?
in which he might Needle Length This can vary depending on
use a slightly larg- When deciding the best the status of the herd. If any
er diameter needle. length, consider administra- blood borne diseases are pres-
For young calves, he tion protocols to ensure the ent, such as Anaplasmosis,
prefers an 18-gauge product is administered in the Johne’s Disease or bovine leu-
needle. An 18-gauge proper location, such as subcu- kosis virus, changing the nee-
needle would also be taneous or intramuscular, and dle with every single animal
Photo - Wyatt Bechtel sufficient for goats, the product’s efficacy is not af- may be the most effective in
fected. preventing spread within the
For under the skin, or sub- herd.
cutaneous administration, If there is no risk of dis-
needle length can vary based ease spread within your herd,
on preference. changing the needle every 5 to
Brad White, DVM, says skin 10 animals might be more rea-
thickness should be a deter- sonable.
mining factor of needle length, Burred or damaged needles
as the skin is much thinner in should be changed immediate-
younger calves compared to ly, as it may influence getting
that of an adult bovine. the product in the right spot to
Larson says 3/8” to ½” might be effective.
be sufficient, while a longer More needle information
needle can also be used if pre- and suggestions can be found
ferred, such as a 1.5” needle in the Beef Quality Assurance
for cows and bulls and 1” for manual.
calves.
Longer needles have their
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