Producers advised to work closely with their vets

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

"It's important to develop a good working relationship with your vet," stressed Ron Gill, professor and Extension livestock specialist for the Texas Cooperative Extension. -Staff photo by Spikes

November 20, 2003 -- If a rancher wants to produce the best quality of meat, it's important to make sure that the cattle are well cared for and are healthy. In order to do this, producers must maintain a good working relationship with their veterinarians. "When you work to develop a good working relationship with your vet, the rest will fall into place," explained Ron Gill, professor and Extension livestock specialist for the Texas Cooperative Extension in Dallas. Gill was on hand to discuss the importance of the producer and vet relationship during the Texas Beef Quality Producer Program that was held Nov. 13 at the Somervell Exposition Center in Glen Rose.

"In order to avoid antibiotic residue, you must work with your vet to select the appropriate products." Gill stated that it's vital to have a strong link between producers and vets. "This program is about prevention so always consult with your veterinarian."

Texas has been very lax in the whole process of antibiotic requirements, he explained. "Vets have the responsibility of making clinical judgments and can help with the evaluation of medical treatment of your cattle. "It's necessary, though, that the client agrees to follow the vet's instructions.

He added, "The vet has sufficient knowledge about your animals and your operation to initiate preliminary diagnosis. But in order to know the operation, the vet has to visit your operation and evaluate it. And make sure to that your vet is available for a follow-up evaluation."

Gill said the vet drug protocol is used to make a rancher think of the products that he is using. "This is a list of medicines for use in your operation that has been approved by your vet. The products must adhere to the beef quality assurance guidelines."

Each of the products used must list the appropriate withdrawal times, any other limitations or restrictions for use, and the directions for using the product.

Gill stated that all ranchers should have a treatment protocol book, which is a written plan for preventative protocols and what treatment to use when cattle get sick. "The reason to have a plan is to outline a preventative health plan, outline appropriate treatment for common ailments, and so that you can provide a written plan."

It's important to be careful of extra label drug use, he said. "This is when you use a drug in a manner that is not specifically listed on the label. At one time, either accidentally or on purpose, the majority of ranchers have done this." He added that if a rancher has performed extra label drug use and not recorded it, then they can be liable for any problems down the road.