Needle size matters depending on the type of substance being administered to cattle. In a recent DocTalk episode, Veterinarian Kirk Ramsey shares things to consider when using hormones during synchronization protocols for breeding cattle.
“Synchronization protocols always require a hormone injection, and there are a few really important factors that we have to remember when approaching hormone injections in cattle,” says Ramsey, who works for Neogen Cattle North America. “All hormone injections of prostaglandin analogs have to be given in the muscle. If those injections fail to get in the muscle, they’re definitely not going to be as effective, and they’re probably going to lead to synchronization failure.”
Needle length and gauge are important depending on the size of the animal. Ramsey says the best rule of thumb is to stick with a one-and-a-half-inch needle for intramuscular injections of hormones.
“The gauge of the needle is a little bit less critical, but the longer the needle, the more likely they are to bend or break, making these injections dangerous to the injector as well as the animal,” Ramsey states.
For most cattle injections, Ramsey recommends an 18-gauge or 16-gauge needle when giving these injections.
In addition, producers should always follow Beef Quality Assurance guidelines for injection sites, which means the injections are best given in the muscles of the neck.
“Hormones associated with cattle synchronization can be very dangerous,” Ramsey explains. “It’s good practice not to handle these hormones if you are pregnant or maybe pregnant, and always wear gloves and protective equipment when giving these injections.”
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