“Freeze branding looks great, but it takes a special
technique and takes much more time in the chute, which can be more stressful [for the calf],” Wirtz ex- plains. “It is not painless. I have seen a lot of botched freeze brands.” Unfortunately, there are times when a producer
must consider euthanasia for a critically ill or injured herd member. If the animal has continuous weight loss or emaciation, has failed to respond to treatment, is unable to get to or consume food and water and has chronic, severe or debilitating pain or distress, eutha- nasia should be considered. “It is only used when an animal is suffering from
a non-recoverable condition,” Wirtz advises. “There are intravenous medications available; however, some conditions are dangerous for the people involved. I prefer [to use] a fi rearm with an appropriate caliber, applied correctly. Be safe with bystanders. There are Beef Quality Assurance guidelines available [for this procedure].” In the 1980’s, leaders in the beef industry, led by the
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), realized there were too many bruises, injection site abscesses and excess antibiotic residue in carcasses. These im- perfections lowered the quality and appeal of beef for consumers. The Beef Quality Assurance program (BQA) was developed in 1986 to prevent drug residue and carcass blemishes. Beef producers and experts collaborated to develop guidelines for every aspect of raising cattle, from cow-calf and feedlot operations to transporting and slaughter. Passionate about the positive effects of the BQA
program, Wirtz became certifi ed early on and trained his veterinary staff and employees. Instead of using vaccines that recommended intramuscular injections, which may cause carcass blemishes or abscesses, Wirtz searched for products he could give subcutaneously (sub-Q) in the neck. Taking better care of his patients using BQA prin-
ciples, Wirtz also applied what he learned to his own cattle operation. He retired the hotshots and now uses low-stress handling methods. He makes sure that cas- tration, branding and dehorning are done while calves are young. They recover quickly and experience a minimum amount of discomfort. Wirtz says BQA-recommended practices cover most
aspects of raising livestock, including correct animal handling and facilities that allow safe, humane and effi cient movement or restraint of livestock. “Reduce stress on the animal and protect both
88 The Cattleman August 2015
When done correctly in a good chute, the pain and stress of management procedures on young calves are at a minimum.
the animal and operator from injury,” Wirtz advises. “Develop a good working relationship with your local veterinarian.” Wirtz recommends that producers become BQA-
certifi ed and follow those guidelines. Every state has a BQA program providing producers and others involved in the cattle industry with on-line classes, as well as workshops, to become certifi ed. For more information, visit
www.bqa.org. TSCRA, along with the Texas Beef Council and Texas
A&M AgriLife Extension Service, provides free BQA training to ranchers. Visit
www.tscra.org and check the calendar for upcoming training sessions. Passionate about caring for beef cattle and the BQA
program, Wirtz and his wife, Anne, won the Texas BQA award in 2012 and the National BQA award in 2014. Anne is also active on the Texas Beef Council, Texas CattleWomen, and American National Cattlewomen Associations. Wirtz is a TSCRA director and member of the NCBA Cattle Health and Well-being Committee. Beef cattle producers strive to take the best possible
care of their animals. Staying current in the latest man- agement methods, along with Beef Quality Assurance certifi cation, is one way to achieve that. Animals that experience fewer injuries, stress or pain, have fewer illnesses and are more productive. And, cattlemen can take that to the bank.
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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