Food safety management for beef producers made simple

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Cattle producers have the tools and the know-how to prepare their cattle for market free of drug residues, thanks to the practices outlined in the Quality Starts Here/Verified Beef Production (VBP) program.

"The program provides the latest knowledge to assess and improve on-farm food safety," said Jodie Horvath, Provincial Co-ordinator for VBP in Saskatchewan. "It helps cattle producers keep up to date with good production practices in their operations, and supports improved efficiency."

The Verified Beef Production program manual outlines standard operating procedures on the use of animal health products, medicated feed and water, control of pesticides, and cattle shipping.

A key recommendation is that producers keep a permanent record of all individual and group medical treatments of their herd. The record should include details such as date, animal identification, product used, route of administration, withdrawal time, and who administered the treatment.

"The manual provides sample records to help you get started," Horvath said. "Animal identification is a must-do step in order to clearly link the animal with its treatment or vaccination record throughout the duration of its withdrawal period. Group or pen identification can be used in the case of group treatments."

Another important record-keeping practice is to double-check that all drug withdrawal requirements have been met before cattle are shipped to slaughter or to the next owner. The manual suggests that treatment records should be initialled once the producer has verified the withdrawal date.

Producers can avoid some potential issues by taking simple steps, such as storing their animal health products according to label instructions, which normally means avoiding extreme cold or heat. It is also important to make sure that syringes and other equipment deliver the intended amount of product.

"Sometimes we see producers using treatments in ways that are not in keeping with product labelling," Horvath noted. "This so-called ‘extra-label use' includes use on species or under conditions not listed on the label, using different dosages than specified, or using the treatment via an inappropriate route, frequency or duration."

The VBP requires that, in cases of extra-label use, there must be a vet prescription for the treatment. This prescription should include withdrawal times appropriate to the product's use.

The manual also deals with "what-if" situations that may arise.

"For example, if a needle breaks, you need to identify the animal and record the incident in a permanent record," Horvath stated. "The next owner must be notified. Or, if the wrong product is administered or if the dose is wrong, you should contact your vet and record it to make sure the animal meets its withdrawal time before shipping for slaughter."

At this time of year, it is common for cull cows to be shipped if they have turned up open during pregnancy checks. Concerns can arise if they have been given health products in the two-month period prior to shipping.

"Some of the common topical treatments for parasite control require a 49-day withdrawal period before slaughter," said Horvath. "Separating the culls from the rest of your cows before treating the herd is an easy way to avoid any accidental treatments."

Producers can learn more about these procedures and the manual at Verified Beef Production program workshops, which will be scheduled at various locations this fall and winter.

"The workshops last about two hours, and include time to go through the manual and discuss its requirements with qualified VBP trainers," said Horvath. "I welcome questions about the program from anyone who wants more information."

For more information, contact:

Jodie Horvath, Provincial Co-ordinator
Saskatchewan Verified Beef Production Program
Phone: (306) 675-6177
E-mail: jhorvath@sasktel.net