Indiana Quality Plus Beef

Use of Needles

Use Clean Needles!
			An injection of a low-dose, clostridial product was given here using a previously used needle behind the right shoulder at a proper dosage. Fourteen days after the injection we see this lesion and accompanying signs of infection. This lesion will leave a large scar in the tissue, significantly affecting the tenderness and eating quality of this product.


The implant on the left was administered with a dirty needle into a dirty ear while the one on the right was given with a clean needle and ear. Notice the evidence of swelling and infection of the site fourteen days after the implant. While the ear is not an important retail product in the beef industry, the lack of attention to cleanliness still represents lost money. The infection in this site will prevent the absorption of the product and hence, the desired response to the implant. The producer loses the cost of the implant and the labor required for administration. Notice the implants in the ear on the right are in a nice row under the skin above the cartilage. These will be easily absorbed over the life of the implant, providing the desired animal response.

Goal: To provide healthy, safe, wholesome, high-quality beef and beef products that meet the needs of the consumer through a collaborative effort encompassing all aspects of production from conception to consumption.