Ref Code: CAT07

Category

Teaching – 2

Research – 4

Objective

To collect faecal samples suitable for laboratory analysis.

Alternatives to animal use

No practical alternatives

Details of Procedure

Small calves - restrain manually. Gently pass a gloved, lubricated finger through the anus and massage the rectal wall to stimulate rectal evacuation.

Larger cattle - restrain in a race, crush or bail. Gently pass a gloved, lubricated hand through the anus and withdraw any faecal material present. To stimulate rectal evacuation, massage the rectal wall.

Drugs, chemicals, or biological agents

Nil

Impact of procedure on the wellbeing of animal(s)

Minimal, if animal handled quietly.

Reuse and repeated use

Collect one sample per beast per day. For research purposes, animals may be sampled twice daily, as long as the animal does not become distressed.

Care of animal(s) during/after procedure

Firm gentle restraint should be applied to reduce the chance of traumatic injury.

Pain relief measures

Nil

Qualifications, experience or training necessary to perform this procedure

Demonstrator: Should have performed this procedure before.

Students: Should be competent in the handling and restraint of cattle.