Injecting livestock: best practices and vital considerations

Improper injection techniques can lead to animals suffering and the reduced efficacy of medications. Dangerous organisms and parasites can also develop resistance

- Shane Brody

The injecting of livestock with vaccines, antibiotics, and vitamin and mineral supplements is a crucial aspect of livestock farming.

Ensuring animal health and well-being is a key component of maintaining functionality and profitability.

It is vital that when you use an injectable product, you very carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and stick to the method of injecting and recommended quantity.

The quantity required almost always works according to animal weight, but age and pregnancy status of animals are also important considerations, so these issues need to be kept in mind.

If repeat medicinal treatments are advised, you should do so, because certain organisms and parasites have complex life cycles or modes of infecting livestock and can become a growing problem if not effectively addressed.

THE THREE MAIN WAYS TO INJECT LIVESTOCK

1. Intramuscular (IM) injection: this method involves injecting medication into a muscle, typically in the neck or hindquarters. IM injections are commonly used for vaccinations and antibiotics but there may be some exceptions.