Ref Code: CAT02

Category

Teaching – 2

Research – 4

Objective

To administer pharmaceuticals or other devices directly into the rumen.

Alternatives to animal use for teaching

Video.

Details of procedure

1. Intra-ruminal injections. Stock need to be restrained in a crush or race with access from the left side. The point of insertion of the injection must be into the left paralumbar fossa or the ‘hungry hollow’. Take care with animals in poor condition as the rumen may have retracted behind the ribs and an injection into the ‘hungry hollow’ will enter the abdominal cavity. Serious complications may arise if the injection is made on the right side. Directions accompanying the drench/drenching gun should be carefully followed.

2. Administration of intra-ruminal capsules. The animal should be restrained in a headbail. Care must be taken in locating the oesophagus with the applicator. Slide the applicator over the tongue and pause until the animal swallows, to ensure the trachea is not entered. Some animals may hold the capsule and regurgitate it shortly after administration. Ideally the capsule number and corresponding animal number should be recorded so that if regurgitation occurs a capsule can be readministered to the correct animal. Cattle should be held in the yard for up to 2 hours to watch for regurgitation.

Drugs, chemicals or biological agents

Anthelmintics, dietary supplements, controlled release devices (CRDs) with tracers etc.

Impact of procedure on wellbeing of animal(s)

Minimal, associated with restraint and manipulation, if conducted properly.

Reuse and repeated use.

Procedures should be conducted no more than twice on each animal on each occasion. Animals may be used again at no less than weekly intervals. It is preferable to use quiet animals, accustomed to restraint. Animals which respond aggressively to restraint should not be used.

Care of animal(s) during/after procedure

No special requirements.

Pain relief measures

Not required.

Qualifications, experience skills or training necessary to perform this procedure

Demonstrator: Competence in the procedures.

Students: Prior demonstration of anatomical features and use of the equipment is necessary.