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Protocols for euthanasia must include who will be performing the procedure, what it entails and
how it will be carried out (Smith et al., 2015). Additionally, the owner of the livestock operation or
the employee performing euthanasia should have not only the knowledge, but also the equipment to
do so correctly. As the goal of euthanasia is to eliminate unnecessary pain and distress by causing
immediate loss of consciousness, loss of brain functions, and cardiac and respiratory arrest, person-
nel performing the procedure must be trained on acceptable methods of euthanasia as well as how
to evaluate that the procedure was successful.
If done properly (accurate placement and correct firearm and bullet) euthanasia by gunshot causes
enough brain tissue destruction to result in death. Captive bolt guns (penetrating or non-penetrating)
are another acceptable method for euthanasia of cattle. When placed correctly, captive bolt guns will
cause immediate unconsciousness, but don’t always result in death. Because death cannot be assured
with just the captive bolt gun, an adjunctive method is necessary to ensure death (Underwood et al.,
2013). Adjunctive methods of euthanasia include rapid intravenous injection of potassium chloride,
a second gunshot, exsanguination, or pithing. The management team together with the veterinarian
should discuss best methods to practice. These discussions should consider animal well-being, facili-
ties on the operation, skill of operators, and the safety of personnel and other animals.
It is absolutely necessary that death is confirmed after the euthanasia is performed and before
the disposal of cattle. A combination of signs, including lack of corneal reflex, lack of pulse, lack of
heartbeat, and lack of respiratory sounds should be considered to confirm death. The herd veterinar-
ian should teach personnel responsible for euthanizing cattle how to assess these parameters and the
human safety measures to be considered while confirming death.

CONCLUSION

As livestock operations become larger, the chances for events that lead to downer animals
increase. It is imperative that livestock producers approach this subject proactively by having writ-
ten guidelines for the prevention of these events and the management of downer animals. Producers
should take advantage of available culturally congruent training resources as well as the expertise
of the herd veterinarian and university extension personnel as they strive to equip their employees
with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage downer animals. The goal for the
management of downers is to eliminate or reduce animal welfare issues by addressing the main
cause of recumbency as well as preventing and addressing secondary damages associated with
prolonged recumbency. Prompt identification of the primary problem and excellent quality nursing
care are essential to the downer’s return to a healthy and productive status. Thorough and frequent
assessments of the downer, in conjunction with established treatment protocols will enable caretak-
ers to make the decision to continue treatment or to euthanize when prognosis is poor, suffering is
uncontrollable and evident, or needed care is not feasible. By preventing and optimally managing
downer cattle, we can improve animal welfare, the health and safety of humans and other animals,
the sustainability of the livestock operation, and the public perception of animal agriculture.
*
Example of high-quality nursing care protocol . (Adapted from Poulton et al., 2016b; Stojkov
et al., 2016; Stull et al., 2007):
• House the downer in a sick pen with no more than two other cows. The area should be sheltered and
should protect her against inclement weather.
• Provide soft, deep, clean, and dry bedding that provides traction and minimizes abrasions, sores,
and chances for infection.

* Nursing care should be provided only after performing a physical exam and determining that the downer cow should
be treated according to farm protocols. The primary cause of recumbency should be addressed while nursing care is
provided.