It is a sad reality, writes Paul Biagiotti, DVM, but every dairy producer is a big game hunter at some point in their everyday work. While euthanasia protocols prefer the use of captive bolt pistols to kill cows, bulls and calves, the cost and training needs coupled with farm turnover makes captive bolt euthanasia problematic.
What remains is using a gun. Gunshot is fully approved as a humane means of euthanasia by the AABP. Its website has detailed instructions in the document “Practical Euthanasia of Cattle.”
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 25, 2018. (web link not available).
Dr. Biagiotti explains the underpowered limitations of traditional .22LR ammunition and the potential dangers of ricochet when using solid rifle or pistol bullets. While suggesting .22 magnum as a minimum caliber, he suggests using .38, .357 or 9mm. Better yet, Biagiotti recommends using a shotgun (20 gauge or higher) at close range and using lead shot vs steel to avoid ricocheting pellets.
INSIGHTS: Our team believes this is important information when working with dairy personnel. The article may appear on the website later, but for now grab a copy and carry it along when making dairy calls.