Current cattle injections increase the risk of injury, research finds

Research by experts at The University of Nottingham suggests that current injection techniques in UK dairy cattle need to change to avoid the risk of nerve injury. The study, carried out by a team of vets with anatomical, pathological and clinical expertise, discovered that current methods of injection are more likely to damage the sciatic nerve - particularly in dairy cattle with a low body condition score, such as those cows who have recently calved. Cattle farmers are facing major challenges in remaining profitable while maintaining the high standards of animal welfare demanded by retailers and consumers. If the recommendation from this research is used by farmers and vets it will contribute to further improve dairy cattle welfare. Dr Wendela Wapenaar, Associate Professor of Farm Animal Health and Epidemiology, led the project at the University's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. She said: "Improving animal welfare is one of our key aims as vets, and for a long time I have been wanting to answer the question around the risk of damaging the sciatic nerve when injecting dairy cattle in this gluteal region. "Our study confirms a high risk of damaging this nerve when injecting cows in the gluteal region (the rump or back end of the cow).