Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee
Species-Specific Information - Cattle
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Species-specific Information for
Queensland Schools
Cattle
This document is available for constant updating. If there is information here that
is incorrect or inadequate, please contact the Animal Ethics Officer (refer to the
last page) who will arrange for the document to be updated. All updates to this
document are dated on the lower left section of each page. It is best to use the
latest version.
Scientific names:
Bos Taurus, temperate cattle breeds, mainly found in southern areas of Australia.
Some of the temperate cattle breeds are: Angus, Belted Galloway, Devon, Highland, Murray
Grey, Poll Hereford, Red Angus, Shorthorn, South Devon, Blonde D’Aquitaine, Braunvieh,
Charolais, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Limousin, Mandalong Special, Salers, Simmental.
Bos indicus, tropical cattle breeds, found in northern areas of Australia.
Some of the tropical cattle breeds are: Boran, Brahman, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Santa Gertrudis,
Tuli, Belmont Red, Braford, Brangus, Charbray, Droughtmaster.
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Varietal range difference
Many different and distinct breeds exist. Cattle are usually divided into two groups:
 Dairy cattle used for milk production, eg. Holstein, Jersey and Illawarra Shorthorn
 Beef cattle used for meat production, eg. Hereford, Angus, Murray Grey and Brahman
Physical attributes
Size: Varies greatly between breeds. Mature heights up to 1.5 metres at the shoulder, or taller
for some large breeds.
Weight: Varies greatly with breed and stage of growth, may vary from 400-800kg.
Age at adult size: Varies between breeds, between 2 and 4 years.
Weight at birth: Small breeds 15-20 kg. Large breeds 35-40+ kg.
These are only average weights and final birth weight is dependant upon the age of the cow, the
nutrition of the cow (particularly in early pregnancy), the breed, the specific genetics of the
parents, ie. some bulls ‘throw’ low birth weight cows and are actively selected for that as this can
mean less problems at calving and whether it is a single or multiple birth.
Gestation period: Average 282 days, range 275-290 days.
Number of offspring: Normally one.
Range of breeding ages: Mating begins from 15-18 months, reproductive life 8-10 years.
Weaning age: 6-8 months.
Healthy characteristics:
Body Temperature: 38.6˚C, range 37.0˚C-39.3˚C
Respiration rate: 20-40 breaths/minute
Heart rate: 40-100 beats/minute
Other: moist muzzle, active, and alert, glossy coat, clear bright eyes.
Environment
Cattle may be kept in extensive situations in a paddock or more intensive situations, such as
feedlots. Cattle perform well in an open pasture that has plenty of available water as well as
shelter from wind, rain and sun. The minimum space required in extensive situations is 0.5 ha
per head assuming the pasture is balanced and well maintained.
Check

Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, Cattle, 2nd Edition, 2004, PISC Report
85, CSIRO.

Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, Land Transport of Cattle, 2002,
SCARM Report 77, CSIRO.
For cattle kept in intensive situations, care must be taken with the following:
Movement and exercise
Cattle should be exercised daily.
Temperature
Heat stress can be a concern. In stalls, provide adequate ventilation; in feedlots, access to
shade, such as trees or shelter, is preferable.
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Light
If cattle are kept indoors the area should be well lit.
Ventilation
In stalls, allow free air movement without creating draughts.
Bedding
Suitable materials for stalls include straw, sand or sawdust. Suitable drainage needs to be
provided.
Cleaning
Clean the stalls daily.
Feedlots that produce meat for export must be accredited under the National Feedlot
Accreditation Scheme. Feedlot operations must comply with certain specified conditions. Check
this publication.
 National Guidelines for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Australia (2nd edition), Standing Committee
on Agriculture and Resource Management.
Food and water requirements
Cattle are most efficient, in terms of digestion, with good quality pasture comprising a balance of
grasses and legumes. Fresh, clean water that is readily accessible is also needed for efficient
growth. Care must be taken when cattle are put on pastures with a high legume content as bloat
can occur.
Remember, when hand-feeding, the rule is to introduce new food types slowly and carefully. Do
not feed excessive quantities of grains, feed plenty of high quality roughage and feed small
amounts at frequent intervals.
There must be adequate trough space so all animals have equal access to food to prevent
bullying and therefore eliminate unintentional over and under feeding.
Monitoring of live weight or condition scoring will indicate the adequacy or otherwise of the feed
conditions.
Type
Young calves: suckled on cow or use a milk replacement.
Older cattle: grazing is the most economical.
Supplementary feeding with hay and concentrate mixes may be necessary. If the cattle are
solely grazed, a local veterinarian or QDPI&F Agriculture officer should be consulted to
determine if there is a need for specific supplementation.
Quantity
Food quantities vary with the animal’s weight, stages of growth and stages of production. As a
guide, an average 450 kg cow requires 0.5 ha of good quality pasture. To hand feed the same
cow requires approximately 10 kg of concentrates, plus hay, each day.
Regularity
For hand feeding, provide food twice daily for young calves and daily for other cattle.
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Essential dietary needs (variations)
Newborn calves must get colostrum in the first 24 hours.
Water
A clean, fresh, reliable supply is necessary. As a guide, a small cow will require 30–50 litres per
day and more if she is lactating.
For cattle kept in intensive systems, feed bins should be off the ground and automatic waterers,
which supply clean, fresh water at all times, should be installed and checked daily.
There should be adequate waterers for the number of cattle housed. In a feedlot situation
dominant cattle will congregate between the food and water and may stop subordinate cattle
from feeding and drinking if not enough space made available.
Handling
Cattle need to be handled calmly and with care to prevent distress and injury to the animals and
the handlers. A set of solid yards, preferably including a race and crush or headbail, is
necessary for the adequate handling of cattle.
The use of cattle prods should be discouraged. Cattle that are kept in schools should not require
this handling technique. If, in exceptional circumstances, a cattle prod is needed, only the
teacher should use it.
For Routine Cattle Husbandry activities for Queensland schools refer to:
 Standard Operating Procedures – Cattle for Queensland Schools
 Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, Cattle, 2nd Edition, 2004, PISC Report
85, CSIRO.

Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, Land Transport of Cattle, 2002,
SCARM Report 77, CSIRO.
The steer is being clipped in preparation for a show
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Normal behaviour
Cattle in a school or college situation should be docile, spending most of their time grazing or
chewing the cud. They are social and will herd if kept in numbers.
Cattle showing difficult temperaments should be culled and not used in a school situation.
Movement of cattle
There are a number of restrictions relating to the movement of cattle. To ensure you abide by
the appropriate legislation, contact the QDPI&F Agriculture. Refer to Model Code of Practice for
the Welfare of Animals, Land Transport of Cattle, 2002, SCARM Report 77, CSIRO.
When transporting livestock there are a number of aspects to be aware of:
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There should be no protrusions or sharp edges in the vehicle, doorway, floors or partitions.
Hinges and latches should not project into areas where livestock have access. Gates should
operate smoothly and retract fully.
The floor of the vehicle should be of a non slip material.
Truck bodies, crates or trailers should be designed so as to not allow any part of the animal
to protrude from the vehicle.
The driver of the road transport vehicle is responsible for the welfare of the stock during
transport, except where the owner or the owner’s agent (Agricultural Teacher or Agricultural
Assistant) travels with the animals.
Newborn livestock should be transported in a separate compartment or at least partitioned
off from older stock.
During transit stock should be inspected 30 minutes after commencement of the journey and
then at 90 minute intervals for the duration of the journey.
Led stock that are tethered in the vehicle should not be tied too short as to allow an
unnatural stance, or tied too long to allow them to wander around and become entangled
with each other or have feet and legs become entangled in lead ropes.
Stock with nose rings should not be tied by the nose rings, lead ropes on nose rings should
be removed completely or at least tied securely around the neck.
Unled stock should not be transported if they are severely emaciated or drought stricken.
Care should be taken with females that are heavily pregnant if weather conditions are
unfavourable (ie. hot, cold or wet)
Adequate shade and shelter should be provided depending on climatic conditions.
Stock should not be transported without correct NLIS tags, waybills/National Vendor
Declaration forms (NVDs) and/or DPI&F travel permits.
Spraying may be necessary if travelling between tick infested and clean areas.
Disease prevention
Disease control methods and internal and external parasite control programs should be
developed in consultation with veterinarians or the QDPI&F Agriculture officer. All activities
should be documented in the appropriate records.
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Signs of illness
The health of stock should be monitored at least daily and preferably more often. The first sign of
ill-health is often a change in the animal’s natural demeanour. It may be listless or lethargic.
Closer examinations may show variations in:
 body temperature
 gastrointestinal function such as diarrhoea, weight loss or loss of appetite
 urogenital function, e.g. abortion, infertility or abnormal discharges
 respiratory function such as persistent coughing, gasping or panting; or
Closer examination may show evidence of:
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skin conditions, such as lesions or abnormal growths
a tucked-up appearance, stiff gait, abnormal posture, patchy coat or loss of hair
excessive scratching or rubbing
swollen joints or lameness
bellowing.
A failure to thrive or grow is another sign of illness. Common ailments may include mastitis,
bloat, internal parasites or milk fever.
If the cause of ill-health cannot be identified and corrected, assistance should be sought from a
veterinarian who is familiar with cattle. Any signs of illness or injury, and treatments given,
should be documented in the appropriate records.
Euthanasia
Where an animal has become so sick, diseased or injured that recovery is unlikely or
undesirable, on humane grounds euthanasia must be arranged with a local veterinarian or a
person competent in the technique for cattle.
A record of deaths is required for the annual animal-us report to the QDPI&F. Deaths and
adverse events must be reported to the Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee, as soon
as practicable after the incident’s occurrence.
Disposal – fate planning
Cattle can be sold privately, at auction or consigned to an abattoir.
Carcases must be disposed of in accordance with local council regulations.
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Approved activities: cattle
Any teacher conducting a scientific animal activity must have:
1.a.
1.b.
relevant science or science education qualification (e.g. Agricultural Science, Biological
Science),
or
relevant science or science education experience as deemed appropriate by the school
principal (generally 2 years experience),
and
competency in the particular procedure.
2.
For new or inexperienced teachers (less than two years experience), all activities must be
conducted under the supervision of a Science or Agricultural Science Head of Department
(HOD) or suitably experienced person. In the case of small and/or remote schools where direct
supervision by a Science/Agricultural Science HOD or suitably experienced person may not be
possible, the new or inexperienced teacher must provide a lesson plan to a Science or
Agricultural Science HOD or experienced teacher (minimum 10 years) in another school prior to
conducting the activity. The Science/ Agricultural Science HOD or experienced teacher should
discuss the activity and any potential issues with the beginning/inexperienced teacher, and
provide guidance and mentoring on delivery of the proposed activity.
Persons deemed to be suitably qualified will have conducted risk assessments on the
procedure/s to be carried out and found the procedure/s to be safe and humane from an animal
welfare perspective as well as safe from a student welfare perspective. When conducting the
procedure, due regard must be given to the maturity and suitability of the student/s involved in
the activity.
Staff using animals should be skilled in relevant techniques and familiar with and follow all
requirements under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, the Australian code of practice for
the care and use of animals for scientific purposes – 7th Edition 2004 and the Agricultural
Industry codes (SCARM codes). Particular reference should be made to these Sections of the
Code:
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Section 3: Responsibilities of investigators and teachers
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Section 4: Acquisition and care of animals in breeding and holding facilities
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Section 6: The use of animals in teaching.
Teachers should ensure that animal users, including students and visitors are provided
with adequate prior instruction in specific activities to enable appropriate care of an
animal and to minimise risk of undue stress or harm to an animal.
If your school participates in any of these activities with cattle, check the relevant Standard
Operating Procedures and ensure that your activity is approved. If approval from the
Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee (QSAEC) is required, check the Education
Queensland or Queensland Catholic Education Commission websites, and search Animal
Ethics.
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Categories of Activities
Categories
Description
1
Activities are permitted by all students and teachers with due care for
the welfare of animals.
2
Activities may be conducted by students who have received appropriate
instruction before commencing the activity.
Routine management practices performed regularly by students
following detailed instruction and supervision. Once assessed as
competent by teacher/instructor this activity can be associated with a
greater degree of independence although will still occur under
supervision.
3
Activities require a higher level of student skill than Category 2 activities
before they are attempted. They must be justified by the course
syllabus.
Routine management practices, which on occasion may be
undertaken by students under close direct supervision following
detailed instruction and observation of this activity.
4
Activities must be justified by the syllabus. All these activities have the
potential to cause distress. Some of these activities are painful to the
animal, even when done properly.
The activity should only be undertaken by operators with expertise
in this procedure and which is part of routine management practices.
Students will only observe.
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Written permission must be sought from the QSAEC if students are to
observe.
Please note:
The categories of activities explained above are used with these activities.
Note: When carrying out several operations on the one animal at the one time, plan the
operations so that the one causing most stress is performed last.
Observation of the normal behaviour of animals: Category 1
No special equipment is necessary. A suitable grazing area is required. Refer to feed and water
requirements and environment.
Administration of eye-drops / creams /ointments / bandaging: Category 3
Refer to Cattle SOP 1, Administration of eye-drops/creams/ointments/bandaging.
When using medications and equipment, care must be taken and noted about the following:
 reading all labels carefully
 maintaining appropriate storage of chemical /medications/bandaging being used
 determining the correct dose rate
 using protective clothing whenever required.
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Administration of injections and implants: Category 3
Refer to Cattle SOP 2, Administration of injections and implants.
It is important to maintain a program of vaccination and control of all internal and external
parasites for all cattle. When treating for internal and external parasites, all animals should be
treated at the same time and pastures should be rotated in conjunction with the drench program.
These programs need to be documented in the appropriate records.
When using vaccines, drenches or any other animal-care chemicals, care must be taken and
noted about the following:
 reading all labels
 maintaining appropriate storage
 adhering to withholding periods
 determining the weight of animals
 determining the correct dose rate
 using protective clothing if required.
When injecting cattle, ensure the needles are sharp and sterile, and that each animal is
adequately restrained. Intramuscular injections should be administered into the neck. Choose
the site for the injection and clean away loose dirt. After the injection, remove the syringe before
the plunger is released.
The introduction of Controlled Intravaginal Releasing Device (CIRD) is classified as
administering an intrauterine pessary. Ensure equipment is cleaned after each application.
Carefully introduce the loaded applicator to the cow’s vagina and, when the applicator is in
position, discharge the CIRD.
Application of pour-on treatments: Category 3
Refer to Cattle SOP 3, Application of pour-on treatments.
It is important to maintain application of pour-on treatments if it is necessary to control internal
and external parasites for all cattle. When treating for external parasites, all animals should be
treated at the same time and pastures should be rotated. These programs need to be
documented in appropriate records. When using pour-on treatments, care must be taken and
noted about the following:
 reading all labels carefully
 maintaining appropriate storage of chemical /medications being used
 determining the correct dose rate
 using protective clothing whenever required.
Artificial insemination: Category 4
Refer to Cattle SOP 4, Artificial Insemination.
Veterinarians and people trained in artificial insemination and embryo transfer perform this
procedure. The semen from one bull is physically placed in many cows so their offspring will
improve the quality of the herd.
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Branding: Category 4
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 5, Branding
 Cattle SCARM Code, Section 5.7
 Brands Act 1915.
Calves should be at least three months old before fire branding is undertaken. Animals must be
securely restrained with the left (near) side rump exposed. The correct heat of the iron is blue
hot. Red hot is too hot. At the correct temperature, the iron will readily burn into a flat dry board.
Never brand cattle when the hide is wet as this will result in scalding. If the area to be branded is
thickly coated, it should be clipped first. Only use small brands on calves as the brand grows
with the growth of the hide.
Breaking in / taming / gentling: Category 3
Refer to
 Cattle SOP 6, Breaking in / taming / gentling
 Cattle Grooming, Cattle SOP 8.
Restricting the area available to cattle and making them dependent on hand feeding will facilitate
the taming process. Ensure that hand feeding is regular, especially over weekends. Close
supervision of students is necessary to ensure calm, gentle handling. Remember, cattle respond
to kind, gentle treatment, positive reinforcement and repetition. They also remember
mistreatment for a long time. Due to the size of these animals, care must always be taken.
In the school situation, the work usually required in training an animal for leading and showing is
generally considered as taming and gentling, rather than breaking-in. It is preferable if animals
used in the school situation do not require breaking-in.
When breaking in cattle training should begin while animals are young, with a body weight under
200 kg. Cattle should be restrained before a halter is put on. While the animal is still restrained,
with the halter in place, gentle grooming and handling will reduce distress. Avoid sudden
movements and loud noise near the animal. When the animal is first tied up, make sure it is tied
to a solid object by a short lead. When releasing the animal, it should be given a reward, such as
some palatable food, so that it associates something pleasant with the experience. Do not
attempt to lead the animal until it is tamed and will allow grooming and handling in the tied
position.
Castration: Category 4
Refer to:
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Cattle SOP 7, Castration
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Cattle SCARM Code, Section 5.4.
With the castration of immature calves the method used will depend on the expertise available.
All methods involve some stress. However, it is important not to prolong the operation by
stopping for a detailed explanation of each step carried out. The details should be explained
before or after the operation. Ensure that the animal is adequately restrained in a cradle or held
by experienced handlers. After-care is important and, irrespective of the method used, the
animal should be checked daily until it is fully recovered.
Elastrator rings should not be used in calves over six weeks of age.
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Castration using emasculators can occur up to six months of age. The animal should be properly
restrained, that is, immobilised and the emasculators applied to the cords and arteries of each
testicle individually. Appropriate size emasculators must be used.
Please note: It is illegal to castrate an animal after six months of age unless a veterinarian
does it and the animal is appropriately anaesthetised.
Cattle grooming: Category 2
Refer to:
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Cattle SOP 8, Cattle grooming
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Cattle SOP 6, Breaking in/taming/gentling
Grooming is an excellent method of gentling animals and is necessary for show preparation. The
type of restraint required depends on the type of animal being groomed. Avoid overwashing, as
this will remove too many natural oils from the coat. If an animal is rugged, make sure that the
rug is fitted correctly to avoid chaffing. If rugging in summer, be careful not to overheat the
animal. Clipping is usually only necessary for show animals or to remove excess hair before
branding. When clipping show animals, take extra care around the head. If the animal is
frightened or moves suddenly, damage to eyes or ears can occur.
Collection of faecal and urine samples: Category 2
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 9, Collection of faecal and urine samples
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
Cattle that are accustomed to handling should be used for all of these activities. They should be
adequately restrained in a crush or halter and tied up securely. Feeding the animal whilst
collecting samples can have a calming effect. Before collecting samples ensure that hands are
thoroughly washed. When collecting faeces and urine samples, gloves should be worn and
hands thoroughly washed after completion of the activity.
Dehorning: Category 4
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 10, Dehorning
 Cattle SCARM Code, Section 5.8
To undertake dehorning cattle under six months of age only people with demonstrated expertise
should undertake this activity. Cattle must not be dehorned when the weather is cold, wet and
windy. In order to control blood loss, infection and flystrike, monitoring and care must be carried
out in the first few days after completing the activity. Fly repellent may be used in order to control
flies.
This procedure of disbudding calves is best carried out on calves in their first two weeks of life.
Only people with demonstrated expertise should undertake this activity.
Young calves should be restrained and a local anaesthetic used before the horn buds are
removed. This procedure can be done by using a hot disbudding iron or scoop dehorners.
Calves must be checked after two or three weeks as regrowth can occur if the procedure is not
correctly performed. Over 12 months of age, cattle can only be dehorned by a veterinarian.
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Dipping and spraying: Category 3
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 11, Dipping and spraying
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
 Cattle SCARM Code, Sections 6.1 and 6.2.
Drenching and mouthing: Category 3
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 12, Drenching and mouthing
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
 Cattle SCARM Code, Sections 6.1 and 6.2.
R
Restrained cattle being drenched.
Ear marking, ear tattooing and ear tagging: Category 3
Refer to:
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Cattle SOP 13, Ear marking, ear tattooing and ear tagging
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Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection

Cattle SCARM Code, Sections 5.1 and 5.7

Branding Act 1915.
These operations are more difficult with older, stronger animals and only an experienced person
should perform the operations on these animals. The head must be firmly restrained to avoid
tearing the ear. Equipment should be checked for sharpness and smoothness of action before
use. It should be thoroughly cleaned before and after use. Position ear tags between the two
main veins and the cartilage ridges (see diagram). Ear tagging tools vary between brands so
ensure the manufacturer’s instructions are followed.
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Correct position of ear tag and tattoo
For ear tattooing ensure the head is thoroughly
restrained. Before applying the tattoo, clean the
ear with methylated spirits or soap and water.
Position the tattoo between the main veins and
the cartilage ridges as shown in the diagram.
For microchip tagging the head must be firmly
restrained and the equipment cleaned to avoid
infection. The microchip should be placed under
the skin at the back of the ear or according to the
manufacturer’s instruction.
Identification:
Cattle are identified with ear tags and ear marks to show when they were born and who owns
them. Ear tags are in different colours to identify the year of birth of the animal. These large
plastic or rubber tags that are attached to the soft part of an animal’s ear have numbers and
letters on them to identify each individual animal.
Ear marking is done by taking small cuts out of the soft part of the animal’s ear. Producers have
their own distinctive registered ear mark.
Branding may also be used for identification. The producer’s unique brand leaves a permanent
mark on the cow’s hide which provides permanent identification.
Many stud cattle producers use a special ink to provide a permanent image or tattoo just under
the skin, usually on the inside of the cow’s ear.
The National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) is a system used nationwide to
permanently identify cattle. An ear tag or rumen bolus, containing an electronically numbered
microchip, stores information about the animal from birth to slaughter. The information is
recorded electronically and stored on a national database providing information on diseases,
contamination and ownership.
Embryo collection and transfer: Category 4
Technicians inject a donor cow with hormones to make the cow produce a lot of eggs. These are
fertilised by artificial insemination. About seven days later the uterus of the cow is flushed to
remove the fertilised embryos. These are then transplanted into recipient cows or frozen for later
use. The embryos grow into calves inside the recipient cows and then the cows give birth and
rear the calves as if they were their own.
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 14, Embryo collection and transfer
 Cattle SCARM Code, Section 5.9.5.
Cattle that are accustomed to handling should be used for all of these activities. They should be
adequately restrained in a crush, milking bail or halter and tied up securely. Feeding the animal
whilst collecting samples can have a calming effect.
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Foot trimming: Category 4
Refer to:

Cattle SOP 15, Foot trimming

Cattle SCARM Code, Section 6.4.
While hoof trimming can be done on cattle when the animal is standing, it is safer to use a tilt
tray, if available. To avoid taking off too much and causing bleeding or damage, the horn of the
hoof should be cut back in several stages.
Hand rearing of calves: Category 2
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 16, Hand rearing calves
 Refer to Cattle SCARM Code, Section 3.
Horn tipping: Category 3
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 17, Horn tipping
 Cattle SCARM Code, Section 2.2.2.8
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection.
For horn tipping older cattle the animal should be restrained in a headbail. Dehorners are placed
on the horn so that no more than the outer third of the horn is removed. Surgical wire can be
placed at the outer third of the horn before it is sawed off.
Loading: Category 2
Refer to:

Cattle SOP 19, Loading
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Cattle SOP 23, Mustering, yarding and drafting

Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection

SCARM Code, Report 77, Land Transport of Cattle
Ensure that the truck to be loaded is backed properly into the loading ramp, with no gap between
ramp and truck and no large step, either up or down. Cattle should be held quietly in a holding
pen at the back of the loading race. When all is ready, cattle should be coaxed firmly along the
race and into the truck. Cattle should move as a group and not individually.
Refer to Movement of Cattle (pp.4-5)
Measurement of body respiration and pulse rate: Category 2
Refer to Cattle SOP 21, Measurement of respiration and pulse rate.
To obtain accurate measurements, the cattle must be calm. Only animals that are accustomed
to being handled should be involved. After capture, it may be necessary to allow the cattle to
stand undisturbed for a time to normalise. Stress due to handling may affect measurements.
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Measurement of body temperature: Category 3
Refer to Cattle SOP 20, Measurement of body temperature.
To obtain accurate measurements, the cattle must be calm. Only animals that are accustomed
to being handled should be involved. After capture, it may be necessary to allow the cattle to
stand undisturbed for a time to normalise. Stress due to handling may affect measurements.
Measurement of body weight: Category 2
Refer to:

Cattle SOP 18, Measurement of body weight

Cattle SOP 23, Mustering, yarding and drafting

Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
To obtain accurate measurements, the cattle must be calm. Only animals that are accustomed
to being handled should be involved. After capture, it may be necessary to allow the cattle to
stand undisturbed for a time to normalise. Stress due to handling may affect measurements.
Milking: Category 2
Refer to:

Cattle SOP 22, Milking

Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection

Cattle SCARM Code, Section 5.3.
Feeding the cow while it is milking can have a calming effect and is a useful way of providing
concentrates to the animal. Ensure that hands and collection equipment are thoroughly washed.
Wash teats and stimulate let down before collecting the milk. Let down is interrupted if the cow is
frightened.
After collecting the milk, teats should be dipped to prevent infection. Damaged teats need to be
hand stripped. Students should be closely supervised to ensure milking machines are not left on
too long.
Cattle that are accustomed to handling should be adequately restrained in a milking bail or halter
and tied up securely. Feeding the animal whilst collecting samples can have a calming effect.
Before collecting milk, ensure that hands are thoroughly washed. Wash teats and stimulate let
down. After collection, teat(s) should be dipped to prevent infection.
Mustering, yarding and drafting: Category 2
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 23, Mustering, yarding and drafting
 Cattle SOP 27, Transport
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
 SCARM Code, Section 4.
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Nose ring application: Category 4
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 24, Nose ring application
 Cattle SOP 23, Mustering, yarding and drafting
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection.
Oestrus synchronisation: Category 4
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 25, Oestrus synchronisation
 Cattle SOP 23, Mustering, yarding and drafting
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
Palpation of testicles: Category 2
Refer to:

Cattle SOP 26, Palpation of testicles

Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
To obtain accurate measurements, the cattle must be calm. Only animals that are accustomed
to being handled should be involved. After capture, it may be necessary to allow the cattle to
stand undisturbed for a time to normalise. Stress due to handling may affect measurements.
Pregnancy testing: Category 4
Refer to:

Cattle SOP 28, Pregnancy testing
 Cattle Sop 23, Mustering, yarding and drafting
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
In the early stages of pregnancy accurate diagnosis by rectal palpation is very difficult and
should be carried out by a veterinarian.
Restrain the cow. In case the cow falls, ensure there are no barriers, such as crush gates,
between the cow and the operator. To avoid agitating the cow, ensure that students watching
the demonstration remain quiet. Supporting resources such as a wall chart or diagram would be
necessary to show the actual procedure.
Restraint and inspection: Category 2
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
 Cattle SCARM Code, Section 4.6.
Students must be instructed on methods of herding and restraint before participating in these
activities. In particular, do not allow students to baulk cattle at the approach to the yards, the
race, the crush or the headbail, causing repeated attempts to capture the animals. To avoid
injury to bones, teeth and horns, care is necessary when closing headbails and calf cradles.
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Transport: Category 4
Refer to:
 Cattle SOP 27, Transport
 Cattle Sop 23, Mustering, yarding and drafting
 Cattle SOP 29, Restraint and inspection
 SCARM Code, Report 77: Land Transport of Cattle.
There are rules about loading and moving cattle so they do not become stressed or are hurt or
lose condition. Tightly packed cattle can become stressed and hot and cattle that have too much
room may fall over causing stress, bruising and injuries. After 36 hours of travel the cattle must
be unloaded, given food, water and space to exercise and rest.
The maximum water deprivation times for cattle including the mustering and holding period prior
to actual transport and after unloading, is dependant on the age and reproductive status of the
cows. 36 hours is the normal time for mature stock and animals that do not fall into this category
have times ranging between 10-24 hours. Refer to SCARM (2002) Primary Industries Standing
Committee Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Land Transport of Cattle, (2002),
SCARM Report 77, CSIRO, Australia.
Refer to Movement of Cattle (pp.4-5).
Cattle being transported require an owner waybill.
Ultrasound assessment of body composition: Category 3
Refer to Cattle SOP 30, Ultrasound assessment of body composition.
To obtain accurate measurements, the cattle must be calm. Only animals that are accustomed
to being handled should be involved. After capture, it may be necessary to allow the cattle to
stand undisturbed for a time to normalise. Stress due to handling may affect measurements.
Record keeping is an important part of management of animals. Check Education Queensland
or Queensland Catholic Education Commission websites and search Animal Ethics to find
information on the Animal Use Reporting and record keeping.
Resources and links
Websites
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries:
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/
SCARM technical reports:
http://www.affa.gov.au/docs/operating_environment/armcanz/home.html
The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW):
http://www.ufaw.org.uk/
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University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medicine Extension website:
http://www.vetnet.ucdavis.edu/vetext/INFBE.html
University of Sydney (Faculty of Veterinary Science)
http://www.library.usyd.edu.au/VEIN/links/cattle.html
Livestock virtual library, Oklahoma State University site:
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/LIBRARY/index2.html
Check the Resources and Links on the EQ or QCEC websites, search Animal Ethics.
Check the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Cattle for Queensland Schools on the EQ or
QCEC websites, search Animal Ethics.
Printed texts
Bannerman S., Thornthwaite S. and Gant L. (2001) Enterprising Agriculture. MacMillan,
Australia.
Field, K. (2002) The Story of Beef in Australia. The Workboot Series, Kondinin Group, Western
Australia.
Kaus, R., Lapworth, J. and Carroll, P. (1997) The Stockman’s Handbook. 6th Edition, Department
of Primary Industries Queensland, Brisbane.
National Health and Medical Research Council, (2004), Australian code of practice for the care
of animals for scientific purposes, 7th Edition, Canberra.
Newman, L. (1994) Practical Farming: Beef Cattle, Breeding, Feeding and Showing. Inkata
Press, Australia.
Reilly, J.S. (Ed.) Euthanasia of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes, 2nd Edition, (2001),
ANZCCART, Adelaide.
SCARM (2004) Primary Industries Standing Committee Model Code of Practice for the Welfare
of Animals: Cattle, 2nd Edition, (2004), PISC Report 85, CSIRO, Australia.
SCARM (2002) Primary Industries Standing Committee Model Code of Practice for the Welfare
of Animals: Land Transport of Cattle, (2002), SCARM Report 77, CSIRO, Australia.
National Guidelines for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Australia. (2nd Edition), Standing Committee on
Agriculture and Resource Management.
Taylor, N. (1995) Dairy: The Story of Dairy Farming in Australia. The Workboot Series, Kondinin
Group, Western Australia.
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The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) (1988) The Management and Welfare of
Farm Animals. Hertfordshire, UK.
Wilson, J. (1983) Keeping a Cow. Kangaroo Press, Australia.
Yabsley, G. (1983) Farming in a small way. NSW Agriculture, Sydney.
For assistance on Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare in Queensland schools:
 Check the Education Queensland website, search Animal Ethics
http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/area/science/animal-ethics.html
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