Quality Assurance Training for Nevada Junior Livestock Show Participants David Thain, DVM Extension Veterinarian University of Nevada Reno Why We Are Here Event that led up to today Ethics Honesty Fairness Consistency Sportsmanship Quality Assurance Striving for Excellence 2 What we are going to do today History of Quality Assurance Programs Antibiotic and drug residues Carcass quality issues Injection site reactions Animal care issues Illegal drug residues Quality Assurance Training Exam 3 1
Carcass quality 4 Carcass quality 5 Carcass quality 6 2
Carcass quality 7 Animal care and husbandry 8 Quality Assurance A simple example of quality assurance is a cooking recipe. A recipe is a system for preparing a particular dish. It describes the ingredients and utensils necessary to prepare the food, the method of cooking it, how to test when it is ready, how to store it, and how to serve it. Cooking to a recipe produces better and more consistent results 9 3
What is Quality Assurance? Quality Are the products good to eat? Are they safe and healthy? Do they taste good? Are they tender? 10 Organic vs Conventional The Public believes that organic foods are safer and healthier than conventionally produced foods The scientific evidence does not support that belief 11 Assurance: What is Quality Assurance? A pledge or a promise Quality Assurance The promise we make to consumers that the food that comes from our livestock will be of the highest possible quality and we will do everything we can to make those products safe to eat. (AZ Youth QA program) 12 4
Why Quality Assurance? Improves food quality Improves food safety Improves care and management Avoids drug residues Increases product value 13 Different National QA Programs Beef Quality Assurance Pork Quality Assurance Sheep Safety & Quality Assurance No Goat or Rabbit Quality Assurance 14 BQA "BQA practices provide cattlemen an important tool in avoiding additional and burdensome government regulation. It s a process of figuring out what could go wrong, plan to avoid it then validate and document what you have done. BQA is just part of good business." Dee Griffin, DVM, University of Nebraska. BQA Mission To maximize consumer confidence and acceptance of beef by focusing producers attention on daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness and quality of beef and beef products. 15 5
PQA Good Production Practices Establish and implement an efficient and effective herd health management plan. Use a veterinarian/client/patient relationship as the basis for medication decision-making. Use antibiotics responsibly. Identify and track all treated animals. Maintain medication and treatment records. Properly store, label and account for all drug products and medicated feeds. Educate all animal caretakers on proper administration techniques, needle use procedures, observance of withdrawal times, and methods to avoid marketing adulterated products for human food. Follow appropriate on-farm feed processing and commercial feed processor procedures. Develop, implement, and document an animal caretaker training program. Provide proper swine care to improve swine well-being. 16 SSQA The Sheep Safety Quality Assurance (SSQA) program, developed by the American Sheep Industry Association, in conjunction with Colorado State University, works to ensure maximum consumer confidence in products generated by the U.S. sheep industry. SSQA utilizes research and education to improve management during the production of safe and highquality sheep products. The program, which applies quality principles to the raising of sheep, involves education, design and outside verification. Producers are first trained in the classroom on quality concepts, such as specifications, process mapping and standard operating procedures. Then they develop on-site mission statements, flowcharts and inspection plans. 17 Quality Assurance Recordkeeping Care and Handling Feeds & Additives Animal Health Products and Practices Processing Carcass Quality Genetics Biosecurity 18 6
Recordkeeping Record keeping is a key element of Quality Assurance, and is a good business practice. There are many software programs on the market that are designed for both commercial and purebred livestock operations. In an industry where the return on assets typically hovers around the 3% to 5% level, it seems critical that making management adjustments without some records is risky. The key to developing a good record keeping system is identifying the information that needs to be collected that will result in the items that the producer will use when making management decisions. Collection of irrelevant data can prevent meaningful evaluation and may not be time or cost effective. Collection of not enough information may not identify problem areas and could be costly. 19 Recordkeeping Effective documentation showing appropriate staff/employee training, inventory control, product use, animal identification, withdrawal times and disposal (of livestock, animal health products etc.) is the only way to avoid liability from a residue contamination. When / Where / Why Weights Treatments or vaccines received ID of animals being shipped or received 20 Recordkeeping Animal treatment records will be maintained with the following recorded: Individual animal or group identification. Date treated. Product administrated and manufacture's lot/serial number & expiration date. Dosage used. Route and location of administration and who administered the product. Earliest date animal will have cleared withdrawal period. 21 7
Care and Handling The Code of Cattle Care Beef cattle producers take pride in their responsibility to provide proper care to cattle. This code provides general recommendations for care & handling of cattle. 22 Provide necessary food, water and care to protect the health and well-being of animals. Provide disease prevention practices to protect herd health, including access to veterinary care. Provide facilities that allow safe, humane, and efficient movement and/or restraint of cattle. Use appropriate methods to humanly euthanize terminally sick or injured livestock and dispose of them properly. Provide personnel with training to properly handle and care for cattle. Make timely observations of cattle to ensure basic needs are being met. Minimize stress when transporting cattle. Keep updated on advancements and changes in the industry to make decisions based upon sound production practices and consideration for animal well-being. Persons who willfully mistreat animals will not be tolerated. 23 Care and Handling Low Stress Handling 24 8
Care and Handling Body condition Nutrition Moderately conditioned animals will perform well and handle stress Under-conditioned and over-conditioned animals may struggle with reproductive performance and the ability to cope with stress 25 Care and Handling Good Facilities Good Equipment Safe Transportation Reduce Stress Reduce Stress Reduce Stress 26 Feeds & Additives Garbage in equals Garbage Out Carcass and Meat Quality is reflected by the Feed Balanced Rations are a Must Feed Products should be Stored in a dry secure manner BSE (Mad Cow Disease) & Ruminant By-Product Feed Ban 27 9
Feeds & Additives Bacteria and natural organisms that may grow during feed storage. Fluids leaked from feed processing equipment can cause contamination. Violative antibiotic residues can result from improper mixing or not following withdrawal times of medicated feed additives. Chemical contamination during feed storage can occur. 28 Feeds & Additives READ ALL FEED & ADDITIVE LABELS Record should be kept of ALL purchases of feedstuffs. Do not feed contaminated feed Avoid cross contamination from chemicals and equipment fluid leaks Buy only from reputable individuals and companies 29 Feeds & Additives Feed Additives Feed additives may be used to prevent or treat diseases or parasites, and in some cases promote growth if they have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Producers should use medicated feed very carefully. No one, including a veterinarian, can legally prescribe the use of any feed additive other than as directed on the product label. Extra-label & Off-label use of feed additives is illegal and strictly prohibited 30 10
Animal Health Products & Practices Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or caretaker) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian. There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal, and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal are kept. The practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of regimen of therapy. 31 Animal Health Products & Practices Vaccines & Biologics What is on a label? Trade name of the drug Active ingredients Quantity of contents Lot number & Expiration Date Intended use of product Dosage requirements Proper storage & handling Route of administration Withdrawal period Precautions for animals & humans 32 Animal Health Products & Practices ALL Medications Extra Labeling vs Off Label Use Extra-label drug use is using animal health products in a manner not specified on the label unless it is under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. This includes using a product at higher doses or in DIFFERENT SPECIES THAN STATED ON THE LABEL. A veterinarian s prescription is needed for any extra-label drug use. Off label drug use is where the producer administers drugs contrary to label directions OFF LABEL USE IS ILLEGAL! 33 11
Animal Health Products & Practices Vaccines & Biologics NEVER Leave vaccines in direct sunlight, UV light, freezing conditions or a refrigerator in freezing conditions. Leave vaccines un-refrigerated. Place a used needle in a bottle of vaccine. Place vaccine in hip, round or loin of animal. Assume anything always check the directions for use. 34 Animal Health Products & Practices Injections 35 Animal Health Products & Practices Injection Techniques Intravenous injection (IV) - an injection into the vein. Intramuscular injection (IM) - an injection into the muscle. Subcutaneous injection (SQ) - an injection under the skin. Provide proper restraint to avoid breaking needles in the animal s tissue. Do not exceed 10cc per intramuscular (IM) site. Exceeding this amount will increase tissue damage, alter withdrawal time and may require testing before cattle are marketed for consumption. Properly space injections 2 to 4 inches apart. Utilize animal health products that are administered orally, topically, or subcutaneously when possible. 36 12
Animal Health Products & Practices Needle Use and Care When to Change Needles Immediately if the needle bends (DO NOT USE BENT NEEDLES or STRAIGHTEN BENT NEEDLES). Replace broken needles immediately. Develop a standard operating procedure for dealing with needles broken off in livestock. If the needle remains in the animal, mark the location where the needle was inserted. If a broken needle cannot be removed at the farm, contact a veterinarian immediately to have the needle surgically removed. If a broken needle cannot be extracted from the tissue, record the animal s ID to ensure that it is never sold or leaves the ranch. At the end of its productive life, the animal should be euthanatized and disposed of properly. Needle Disposal Your veterinarian can supply you with a sharps container. 37 Animal Health Products & Practices If a broken needle cannot be extracted from the tissue, record the animal s ID to ensure that it is never sold or leaves the ranch. At the end of its productive life, the animal should be euthanatized and disposed of properly. 38 Tent Technique The proper and recommended technique for giving injections requires lifting a fold of skin with one hand, forming a "V" or "tent." The needle is inserted through the skin into the space under the skin. The lifting of the skin is necessary to assure that the injection will be subcutaneous. 39 13
Tent Technique 40 Tent 41 Syringe Care 42 14
Animal Health Products & Practices Injection Site Lesions & Tenderness impacts 43 Animal Health Products & Practices Residue Avoidance Avoiding tissue residues of antibiotics or other drugs is simple to manage. Observe and follow label directions and ensure that cattle are not marketed until the appropriate withdrawal time has elapsed. 44 Residue Avoidance Two Minnesota cows that could have ended up on a dinner plate were pulled from slaughter lines after federal inspectors discovered dangerously high levels of antibiotics in both animals. (129 times the amount of penicillin allowed under federal regulations in one & Further inspection found that the other farm had misused 10 other drugs) In a rare move, federal officials sent stern warning letters to two central Minnesota dairy farms, which were among only 30 farms nationwide reprimanded so far this year for violating the rules governing how animal drugs can be used. In letters to both farms, the FDA wrote that "you hold animals under conditions that are so inadequate that medicated animals bearing potentially harmful drug residues are likely to enter the food supply." Lora Pabst Minneapolis Star Tribune November 20, 2009 45 15
Animal Health Products & Practices Implants The only approved location for implant administration is the middle third of the backside of the ear. All implants must be located subcutaneously within this area. Implants should never be placed in locations other than the ear. Routine inspection of implant sites should be done every time animals are handled. Document the results of the inspection for future reference in implant management decisions. 46 Processing Vaccination Purchase vaccines from a reputable dealer. Management practices can increase the percentage of animals that respond to the vaccine, maximizing the efficacy of the vaccine. Reducing stress, providing improved nutritional management, along with proper timing of vaccination, will increase the response rate to the vaccine. 47 Processing Vaccination When purchasing an animal health product, always transport it in a closed, refrigerated container. Keep vaccine shielded from UV light by storing it in a refrigerator and transport it using cold packs. Always keep the vaccine cool while you vaccinate livestock. Keep the working bottle of vaccine and syringes in a cooler. Unused and unmixed product should be in a closed, refrigerated container until used. Only mix MLV product within an hour of use. If you are processing a small number of animals, purchase the product in small containers with fewer doses. 48 16
Processing Dehorning Castration-Tail-docking Branding Identification 49 Processing Scrapie Identification for sheep and goats Mandatory requirement for the eradication of Scrapie Contact your leader or the Nevada Dept. of Agriculture-Dr. Keith Forbes 775-353-3707 50 Carcass Quality Ensuring Palatability Flavor, juiciness, and tenderness determines the palatability and overall eating satisfaction. Flavor is provided by compounds in intramuscular fat, and varies with genetics, nutrition, health and several other factors. Juiciness is determined by the amounts of moisture and marbling in the muscle after it has been cooked. Tenderness is determined by the amount of connective tissue, the amount of marbling, and the activity of enzymes that breakdown muscle proteins after slaughter. Temperament, handling, castration, growth implants, and intramuscular injections also play a role in palatability. 51 17
Carcass Quality 52 Carcass Quality 53 Carcass Quality Yield and Grade Know your carcass standards Overweight Carcass New Rules to reflect concern regarding overweight pigs Dark Cutter Environment Stress Genetics Pale Soft Exudative Pork (PSE) Environment Stress Genetics 54 18
Carcass Quality Bruising Overcrowding Horns Facilities Birdshot and Buckshot 55 Carcass Quality Consumer Acceptance The consumer does not want meatbuying to be a crapshoot. The eating experience must be positive and consistent, otherwise the consumer will seek another product. A consistently good quality product is very important for the meat industry. 56 Genetics Lack of uniformity remains the U.S. beef industry s major concern. What must cattle producers do to improve the consistency within their herds? How will the industry as a whole deal with such issues? 57 19
Genetics Diverse production systems in the beef, sheep and goat industry make it difficult for a one breed/genetic animal to work profitably across the nation The swine industry is better suited for a uniform genetic animal. 58 Biosecurity Processes and procedures to protect a herd/flock from infectious diseases, attack and interference Testing new arrivals before hand for diseases Quarantining new arrivals Controlling access to premises 59 Biosecurity Plan components 1) Assessment 2) Resistance 3) Isolation 4) Traffic Control 5) Sanitation 6) ID & Record Keeping 60 20
Biosecurity Adt-Animal Disease Tracking system Location (Premises) Registration Animal Identification Group Individual Animal Movement Tracking Voluntary Program Contact Holly Pecetti, Coordinator, NV Dept. of Ag. 775-353-3708 61 Good Production Practice #8 Exhibit Strong Character Traits Character is revealed by how we behave when we are sure that we won t be found out. Thomas Babington Macaulay 62 Special Thanks Bob & Carol Ann Coker Dwight & Hilary Joos Genoa Livestock LLC Steve Lewis 63 21
Thank You! This material is based upon work supported by USDA/CSREES under Award Number 2007-49200-03892. 64 Contact information David Thain, DVM dthain@cabnr.unr.edu 775-784-1377 65 The Exam Take home Open book Return to your leader or mail to me at the address on the exam 66 22