CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory

basis. For more information: http://go.osu.edu/cfaesdiversity.

muskingum.osu.edu

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Muskingum County 4-H Quality Assurance Study Guide

The following information is provided to assist the youth livestock exhibitor in studying for the Quality Assurance (QA) test. In no way does this guide imply or offer the only information that will be included on the QA test. The majority of the testing material is taken directly from the project record books and supplemental resource handbooks. Who can take the Quality Assurance Test? All youth 12-14 years of age (4-H age) may take a QA test designed for their age group. If they pass the test with a score of 70% or greater, the youth will be certified in QA until they turn 15 years old. All youth 15-18 years of age (4-H age) may take a QA test designed for their age group. If they pass the test with a score of 70% or greater, the youth will be certified in LQA for the remainder of their Junior Fair years. Youth are only permitted to take one test per calendar year. If a youth does not pass the QA test, they will be required to attend a QA program to gain certification. Youth must pre-register to take the test on designated testing dates.

Testing Categories (Primary Project Area): Large Animals: Beef, Dairy, Goat, Sheep, Swine Small Animals: Rabbit, Poultry General Testing Topics Include:

• Husbandry • Housing • Animal Identification • Biosecurity • Feeding • Medications • Injections and Routes of Administration • The Ten Good Production Practices • Animal Diseases

• Animal Welfare • Handling and Transportation of Animals • Record Keeping • Making ethical decisions • Regulatory Agencies and laws • Environment • Consumer and Food Safety • Proper storage and disposal of medications, feeds, supplies, etc • Drug Labels

www.4hansci.osu.edu

Food Animal Quality Assurance

Assuring Quality Care for Animals

Objectives

• Ethics and Animal Welfare

• Food Safety and Relations

• Briefly cover the 10 Good Production Practices (GPPs)

• Cover 3 GPPs in-depth

Ethics and Animal Welfare

Youth Livestock Exhibitors

• Most public arena of the food animal industry

• Actions of 4-H & FFA members impact:• Public perception of food animal

industry• Food quality and safety

Remember: You are representing your organization, club, county, the industry, your family, and yourself!

• Does the practice break FDA, state or federal laws?• Does the practice harm the animal?• Does the practice falsely represent the animal?• Do you have to lie to cover up the practice?• Would the public be upset if they knew about the practice?• Are the food products from this animal marketable? • Would you eat the food produced from this animal?

Ethical Decisions – ASK YOURSELF…

Animal Well-Being

• Daily Observation– Keep track of observations looking for patterns– Ensures prompt reaction to needs– Animal production gives us direction!

• Average Daily Gain (ADG)• Feed Efficiency (FE)• Physical Evaluation• Disease • Behavior Abnormalities

What is welfare?

Animal welfare means how an animal is coping withthe conditions in which it lives. An animal is in a goodstate of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence)it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able toexpress innate behavior, and if it is not suffering fromunpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress.

How do we measure welfare?

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst• Ready access to water and a diet to maintain health and vigor

2. Freedom from Discomfort• Provide an appropriate environment including shelter and comfortable resting area

3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease • Prevent pain and provide rapid diagnosis and treatment of disease

4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior • Provide sufficient space, proper facilities and appropriate company of animal’s own

kind5. Freedom from Fear and Distress

• Ensure conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

Good Production Practice #8

Willful Acts of Abuse

Willful acts of neglect or abuse are unacceptable and will NOT be tolerated!

Defined as acts outside accepted practices that purposefully cause pain and suffering, including but not limited to

• Purposely applying prods to sensitive parts of animal• Hitting or beating animal• Failure to provide minimal food, water, shelter, and care that results in

significant harm or death to animals

Animal Well-Being

Aggressive handling includes• Overuse, improper use, of electric prods

• AVOID use of electric prods • Loud noises and yelling• Grabbing and pulling ears and tails• Grabbing wings and/or feathers• Moving animals too fast• Moving too many animals per group• Overcrowding animals in chutes, ramps, and alleyways• Rough physical contact

Animal Well-Being

Use best animal handling and movement practices for the good well-being of animal and safety of handler

Improperly handled animals become distressed which can lead to• Physical injury to animal• Physical injury to handler• Increase in incidence of non-ambulatory animals• Increase in time to load and unload animals• Reduced growth rates and performance• Significantly contributing to carcass shrink, trim loss and poor meat quality

Animal Well-Being

• Animals do not always understand our intentions• They do not know why they are being handled or moved• Creates fear and/or negative reaction to handler

• Animals with regular, positive interactions with people typically are less fearful and easier to handle

• Move animals at normal walking pace

• Avoid aggressive handling which may lead to animals becoming non-ambulatory due to injury, stress or fatigue

Animal Well-Being

• Willful acts of abuse – Unacceptable on any farm or in any show barn! Right versus Wrong!

• Just because another person is doing it?• Just because we know the person doing it? • Just because you respect that person? • THINK! Then ASK!

– If you observe willful acts of abuse you should stop the situation• If you feel threatened then tell someone confidentially and let them handle the

situation

Youth Food Animal Quality AssuranceCurriculum Guide

Food Safety and Government Relations

Who is Responsible for Food Safety?

• All segments of the production chain• At the live animal level:

• Food animal producers including:• Youth food animal project members• Parents/guardians/family members of youth

Quality Assurance

• Assurance is a pledge or promise• Quality defined 2 ways -

• A food product preferred by consumers• A safe, wholesome food product

How Can Youth Exhibitors Ensure Food Safety?

• Supply the packer/processor with animals and/or food products free from drug and chemical residues and physical hazards

• Youth exhibitors must also be aware of withdrawal times

Food Safety

• Regulatory Agencies:• United State Department of Agriculture (USDA)• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)• Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Federal government agency that enforces regulations related to agriculture

• Food products and safety• Delivery of products to consumer

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

• Division of USDA• Inspects all food products

from animals in federally inspected packing plants and food processing facilities

• Examines food processing facility sanitation (HACCP)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA

• Approves and regulates pesticides• Determines withdrawal time of pesticides for livestock

• Regulations of physical and chemical impact of livestock production on the environment

Good Production PracticesCurrent Year in Red

GPP 1: Use an Appropriate Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR) as the Basis for Medication Decision-Making

GPP 2: Establish and Implement an Efficient and Effective Health Management Plan

GPP 3: Use Antibiotics ResponsiblyGPP 4: Properly Store and Administer Animal Health ProductsGPP 5: Follow Proper Feed Processing Protocols

Good Production PracticesCurrent Year in Red

GPP 6: Establish Effective Animal Identification, Medication Records and Withdrawal Times

GPP 7: Practice Good Environmental StewardshipGPP 8: Maintain Proper Workplace SafetyGPP 9: Provide Proper Animal Handling and CareGPP 10: Utilize Tools for Continuous Improvement

Use a Valid Veterinarian/Client/Patient

Relationship as the Basis for Medication Decision-making

Good Production Practice #1Assuring Quality Care for Animals Food Animal Quality Assurance

go.osu.edu/AQCA

• Important to establish• Manage the health of project animal(s)• Prevention of drug residues

• Required for prescription drugs and extra-label drug use

Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR)

VCPR

• What is needed for this relationship?• Required that the veterinarian:

• has seen and has knowledge of the animal• has discussed a healthy plan or any treatments with the owner

• How can youth exhibitors establish this relationship?• Invite a veterinarian to speak at club or project meeting

about health plans• Have a farm tour with club and invite the veterinarian to

come along

1. Over the Counter Drugs (OTC)• Can be purchased without a prescription• Should consult veterinarian before use• MUST follow label instructions EXACTLY.

Basic Classes of Drugs

Basic Classes of Drugs

2. Prescription Drugs (Rx)• Drugs that require a veterinarian’s

written permission for use (prescription).• Label of a Rx drug will state• “CAUTION”• “Federal law restricts use by or on the

order of a licensed veterinarian.”

A. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

B. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Who determines whether or not a drug is OTC or Rx?

A. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

B. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Who determines whether or not a drug is OTC or Rx?

1. Label Use • Using the drug EXACTLY as stated on the label.

2. Off Label • Use of a drug in a manner other than what is stated

on the label AND without guidance from a veterinarian under the extra-label policy.

• ILLEGAL

Types of Drug Use

3. Extra-Label • Using an animal drug in a manner

not in accordance with the approved drug labeling, but with the guidance of a veterinarian

Types of Drug Use

Extra-Label

• Examples of Extra-Label drug use:• Increased dosage• Changing route of administration• Changing length of treatment• Treating a disease or condition not listed on

the label• Treating a species not listed on the label• NOTE: must obtain withdrawal time from vet!

• Category for new antimicrobial drugs used in the feed to treat disease• Must have a VFD to feed the product• Extra-label use NOT permitted

Veterinary Feed Directive

OFF LABEL and ILLEGAL

ACTIVITY TIME

Use Antibiotics Responsibly

Good Production Practice #3Assuring Quality Care for Animals Food Animal Quality Assurance

go.osu.edu/AQCA

• Treatment of illness• Control and prevention of disease• Improve nutritional efficiency

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

Principles for responsible antibiotic use:• Take appropriate steps to decrease the need for antibiotics• Assess advantages and disadvantages• Use antibiotics only when they provide measurable benefits• Fully implement the management practices described for responsible

use of animal health products into daily operation• Have a working veterinarian/client/patient relationship (VCPR) and

follow the responsible antibiotic use guidelines

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

Guidelines for use:• Use a veterinarian to help you make decisions• Treat only when there is a clinical diagnosis• Treat only ill or at-risk animals - the fewest number• Carefully review and justify treatment when dealing with potential antibiotic

resistant infections• It is illegal to mix together medications by a producer• Handle and dispose of animal health products properly to minimize

environmental exposure

• Category for new antimicrobial drugs used in the feed to treat disease• Must have a VFD to feed the

product• Extra-label use NOT permitted

Veterinary Feed Directive

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised the rules and provided guidance on the use of medically important antibiotics in food animals. As of January 1, 2017, the use of medically important antibiotics* in food animals will be governed by the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), a prescription-like process for uses in or on feed, and drinking water. These revisions will affect all livestock owners.

Veterinary Feed Directive

Veterinary Feed Directive

• Antibiotics used in feed or water will only be available for purchase when accompanied by a veterinarian's order (VFD or prescription).

• Owners or caretakers of food-producing animals will simply need to work with a veterinarian and establish a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) to ensure that the animals are receiving the most appropriate treatment.

Production uses such as “growth promotion” and “feed efficiency” of medically important antibiotics are no longer allowed. The FDA no longer considers these uses acceptable, and any production uses of medically important antibiotics will be illegal.

https://www.avma.org/public/Health/Pages/Antibiotic-Use-Changing.aspxhttps://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Pages/VFD123.aspxhttp://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/ucm449019.htm

Veterinary Feed Directive

True or False

Antibiotics can be given for any length of time.

False

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

True or False

Implementing biosecurity measures may decrease the need for antibiotics.

True

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

True or False

It is not a problem if a healthy animal finds and eats medicated feed.

False

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

True or False

Vaccinating can help decrease the need for antibiotics.

True

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

True or False

It is illegal for a project member to mix medications.

True

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

True or False

Medication can be given through food, water, or injection.

True

Antibiotic Use in Food Animal Production

Establish Effective Animal Identification, Medication Records,

and Withdrawal Time

Good Production Practice #6Assuring Quality Care for Animals Food Animal Quality Assurance

go.osu.edu/AQCA

Why is ID important?

• Important management tool for producers• Performance measurements• Identify treated animals• Track ownership and movement

• From birth to harvest• Track disease outbreaks in food animal industry

• Ensure consumer confidence through traceability of food animal products

Identification Methods

• Freeze Branding• Preferred method• No damage to hide and less stress

to animal• Hot Branding

• Typically used as a farm or group ID

• Damage to hide and decreases value

Identification Methods

• Tattoo• Permanent• Not easy to read for daily management

• DNA• Blood or hair• Unique to each animal

Identification Methods

• Nose Print• Like a finger print• Unique to each animal

Identification Methods

• Ear Tags• Most common form of ID• Common ear tag is the least expensive

• Electronic ID (EID)• Ear tag, implant or rumen bolus

Identification Methods

• Ear notching• Used commonly in swine• Permanent

• Neck Chain

• Wing Band

• Leg Band

Identification Methods

National ID Program

• Not required at this time• Producers encouraged to register for a premise ID with state

department of agriculture• www.ohioanimalid.com

• Other Resources:• www.usaip.info• http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais

Premises ID Program

• Process of registering a location where livestock are raised, housed or pass through during commerce.

• During natural or animal disease disasters a PIN will support:• Faster trace back capabilities• Faster determination of the extent of the outbreak• Faster implementation of disease control measures• Business planning to diminish effects of outbreak• Better communication to producers in areas affected

Scrapie ID Program

• What animals must have a scrapie ID tag?• ALL intact sheep and goats• ALL sheep and goats over 18 months (including wethers)

• Purchased outside of Ohio• Enter Ohio and used for exhibition or breeding purposes

• Records must be kept for 5 years including: • Name and address of breeder, and • Buyer

Scrapie Identification

• What is an official USDA Scrapie ID?• USDA provided ear tags• USDA approved ear tags• USDA assigned tattoos• Registration tattoos/microchips when accompanied by a registration

certificate• Scrapie Certification Program approved ID

Maintain Medication Treatment Records

• All food producers are required to keep medication and treatment records.

• Ohio Drug Use Notification Form (DUNF) must be filled out by ALL exhibitors of market and lactating animal projects.

ACTIVITY

Treatment Record Forms

• Individual or Pen Treatment Records• Project record books• Resource handbooks• PQA Level III Manual• Ohio Beef Quality Assurance Manual

Other Treatment Records

• Farm Medication Plan• PQA Level III Manual

• Feed Mixing Records• PQA Level III Manual• Medicated Feeds

Treatment Records

• Should include:• Individual animal ID• Date treated• Name of product administered• Amount of drug administered (dosage)

Treatment Records

• Should include:• Route and location of administration• Withdrawal period• Earliest date animal(s) will have cleared the withdrawal period• Identity of the person who administered

Treatment Records

• Can include other important information:• Condition being treated• Weight of animal• Product lot/serial number• Results, comments• Look at species record books and quality assurance programs for

treatment record options

Animal ID

Date & Time Product Dosage

Route of

Admin

With-drawal Period

Date & Time Withdrawal Complete

Person Adminis-

tering

#1007/4/159 AM Omni-

biotic 10 cc IM 28 days

8/1/159 AM

Joe Johnson,

Vet

From Project Record Book

Minimum Treatment Record

* Ohio Law REQUIRES 1 year, these are recommendations by species

Species YearsPoultry, Rabbit 1Beef, Dairy Beef 2Swine 3Sheep, Goats (Required by federal law) 5Dairy Cows & Heifers 5

How long should you keep your records?

• Period of time that must pass between the last treatment and the time the animal…

• Will be harvested • Milk taken• Eggs harvested

Avoid Drug Residue: Know and Observe Withdrawal Times

Avoid Drug Residue Violations

• Do NOT market animals for food until the withdrawal time is complete

• Only use medication approved for the species being treated• Do exactly as the label directs or as prescribed by the

veterinarian• Consult veterinarian with questions and concerns• If in doubt, conduct a drug residue test

Calculating Withdrawal Time

Dairy Animals• Date antibiotic was given: 9/13• Time antibiotic was given: 10 AM• Withdrawal period: 2 days• Milking times: 6 AM and 4 PM• Date withdrawal is complete:

• 9/15 at 10 AM• Date & time milk can be put in bulk tank:

• 9/15 at 4 PM