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Final year Project Research Report Michael O’Connell

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FYP Research

Report

Name: Michael O’ Connell

Module code: PDX017

FYP supervisor: Dermot McInerney

Date submitted: 14-12-2012


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Contents

1 Background ................................................................................................................. 5

2 Problem statement ....................................................................................................... 6 3 Secondary research...................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Internet research ...................................................................................................... 7 3.1.1 Medication administration methods ................................................................. 7

3.1.2 Animal restraint .............................................................................................. 12

3.1.3 Types of surgery’s .......................................................................................... 15

3.1.4 Introduction to caesarean ............................................................................... 17

3.2 Effects of animals age on calving difficulty .......................................................... 19 3.2.1 Materials needed ............................................................................................ 19

3.2.2 Sterilisation .................................................................................................... 27

3.3 Leaflets .................................................................................................................. 28 3.4 DVD ...................................................................................................................... 29

3.4.1 Facilities ......................................................................................................... 29

3.4.2 Safe handling at calving ................................................................................. 30

3.4.3 Loading of livestock ....................................................................................... 30

3.4.4 Safety with a stock bull .................................................................................. 30

3.4.5 Safety issues with bull beef ............................................................................ 31

3.4.6 Breading of Docility ....................................................................................... 31

3.4.7 Principles of temple gradin ............................................................................ 31

3.5 Journal articles ....................................................................................................... 32 4 Primary research........................................................................................................ 33

4.1 Interviewing the exports ........................................................................................ 33 4.1.1 Name: Derrick Long ...................................................................................... 34

4.1.2 Name Joe Kelleher ......................................................................................... 34

4.1.3 Name Gareth Teskey ...................................................................................... 35

4.1.4 Name: Morgan Lyons. ................................................................................... 36

4.1.5 Name Gareth Teskey. ..................................................................................... 37

Date: 15/11/12 .............................................................................................................. 37

4.2 Ethnographic research: .......................................................................................... 37 4.2.1 Shadowing: ..................................................................................................... 37

4.2.2 Product testing ................................................................................................ 38

4.2.3 Project aims changing .................................................................................... 40

4.3 Observation ........................................................................................................... 43 4.4 Field trips ............................................................................................................... 43 4.5 Direct Emailing ..................................................................................................... 44


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4.6 Phone interview ..................................................................................................... 46 4.7 Talking to the Farmer: ........................................................................................... 47

4.7.1 Name: Basil Fitzsimons – Dairy farmer......................................................... 48

4.7.2 Name: Mike Keane – Organic farmer ............................................................ 48

4.8 Primary research conclusion ................................................................................. 49

5 Research findings ...................................................................................................... 50 6 Design Guide ............................................................................................................. 52 7 References ................................................................................................................. 56 8 Appendix ................................................................................................................... 58

8.1 Interviews detailed descriptions ............................................................................ 58

8.1.1 Date: 20/09/12 ................................................................................................ 58

8.1.2 Date: 12/10/12 ................................................................................................ 63

8.1.3 Date: 19/10/12 ................................................................................................ 64

8.1.4 Date 22/10/12 ................................................................................................. 68

8.1.5 Date: 15/11/12 ................................................................................................ 70

8.2 Ethnographic research ........................................................................................... 76 8.2.1 Producr testing: Injection ............................................................................... 76

8.2.2 Producr testing: Pour on treatment ................................................................. 83

8.2.3 Shadowing ...................................................................................................... 86

8.2.4 Ceasarean ....................................................................................................... 92

8.2.5 Images ............................................................................................................ 98

8.3 Email ..................................................................................................................... 99 8.3.1 Sample email .................................................................................................. 99

8.3.2 Date: 31/09/12 .............................................................................................. 100

8.3.3 Date 03/10/12 ............................................................................................... 101

8.4 Talking to the farmer ........................................................................................... 103

8.4.1 Date: 07/09/12 .............................................................................................. 103

8.4.2 Date: 07/09/12 .............................................................................................. 104

8.5 Guidance on safe handling of animals................................................................. 105 8.6 Observation videos .............................................................................................. 105

9 Self-observation handling Facilities ........................................................................ 106

10 Final year project proposal ...................................................................................... 108


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1 Background

The area chosen for this project was a veterinary aid to assist either the farmer or the vet.

This area was chosen as the author had a keen interest in farming and had gained a number

of contacts in this area. At the beginning of this project the author researched into the

administration of medication to animals to discover all the problems around this. This then

lead the author to research into the area of animal restraint and improvement of

sterilisation. As the research stage progressed it was decided that it would be difficult to

extract a product big enough for the final year project in this area. After completing the

secondary research it was discovered there was already devices available on the market

that solved many of the issues uncovered during the primary research stage.

As a result of this the project aim was changed. All the research completed to date was

examined. It was discovered during the shadowing process and self-documentation that a

vet had to carry a large number of items in his hands from his van over to the animal any

time he was asked to perform a procedure on an animal. The condition of the back of his

van and the time taken to look for products and set up for preforming an operation was also

noted. On further examination it was uncovered that there was no device on the market to

store all the relevant equipment the vet needed to perform an operation.

The project will begin each section of the research stage by looking into the area of around

administration of medication to animals and will continue on until the project aims

changed. This is where the author will begin to look at operations on the farm. It was

discovered from talking to the professionals that all the equipment needed to perform a


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caesarean is enough to perform all other operations on the farm. As a result I focused in on

designing a veterinary kit for preforming caesareans as it’s the most commonly performed

operation on the farm. The device can be used for other operations. This became the new

final year project.

Although the initial administration to animals was revised, this information of research

findings is still valued. As a result this information will still be included in the following

report.

2 Problem statement

There would appear to be a major issue for veterinary surgeons when preforming caesarean

sections and other major operations outside the veterinary clinic. The issues currently

associated with caesareans preformed outside the veterinary clinic are, time taken to set up,

inadequate work area facilities and hygiene levels working within the farm environment.

There is a gap in the market for a product to help aid and assist the vet in this area. By

creating a product that will allow the vet to set up a temporary surgical station within

minutes with all the required utensils included, it is hoped it will reduce the number of calf

losses and allow the vet to perform the procedure more effectively and efficiently.


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3 Secondary research

When conducting secondary research for this project the following areas were looked at to

gather the relevant information

Internet research

Leaflets

DVD

Journal articles

3.1 Internet research

3.1.1 Medication administration methods

The first step taking during the internet research stage of this project was to uncover the

different methods available to administrate medication to animals. The author also looked

at the advantages and disadvantage of each method.

3.1.1.1 Needle-free injection devices (NFID) (Scanlon 2010)

Figure 1.1-NFID injecting medication through the skin Figure 1.2-NFID gun

There are two types of NFID devices on the market Spring-powered devices are compact

and lower cost, but suffer from limited range of force and reduced versatility. Spring-


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powered devices are primarily used for subcutaneous injections. Gas-powered devices

which have jet injectors have sustained force generation, greater flexibility, and the ability

to deliver larger volumes. This can be used for both intramuscular and subcutaneous.

Advantages:

Elimination of broken needles

Consistent vaccine delivery

Reduced vaccine volume

Higher antigen dispersion

Elimination of worker needle sticks

Elimination of needle disposal

Lower pain and stress

Disadvantages

Higher start-up costs

Infrastructure for exhaustible gas systems

Higher requirement for training and maintenance

No one size fits all NFID

Workers Confidence


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3.1.1.2 Injection administration

Figure 1. 3 Current multidosing injection gun Figure 1.4 veterinary syringe

There are three types of injection techniques, intravenous intramuscular and subcutaneous.

1) Intravenous or IV: This is the injection of a substance directly into the vain. It can

be only administrated by a professional. . It provides the fastest distribution of the

drug and ensures that 100% of the drug reaches the systemic circulation.

2) Intramuscular or IM: this is the injection of a substance directly into the muscle. It

is the second fastest route for drugs.

3) Subcutaneous: this is an injection given in the fatty layer of tissue just under the

skin. It can be injected in relatively large volumes Its slower to get to the system

compared to IM but its effects last longer

Advantages

Fast 15-30 seconds for IV 3-5 minutes for IM and subcutaneous.

100% Bioavailability (amount that’s absorbed)

One injection can be formulated to last for days or even months

Wider range of available drugs


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Disadvantages

Drug residues can go into the meat or milk

Excessive trim at slaughter due to abscess, scaring broken needle.

Risk of accidental human injection.

Injection can be painful and involves a risk of infection.

3.1.1.3 Pour on treatment

Pour on is a liquid substance that is poured onto the back of the animals along the backline

starting between the shoulder blades using a standard pour on applicator. These applicators

can be seen in the image below.

Figure 1.5 & Figure 1.6 – current pour on treatment guns available

Advantages

Less labour intensive

No injection sites

No risk of drug residue

No direct contact with the animal

No risk of injury

Large number of animals handled effectively


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Disadvantages

Limit range of treatments can only be used as a wormer

Risk of under dosing

3.1.1.4 Oral administration

Figure 1.7 – oral dosing gun Figure 1.8 – oral dosing gun in use

Oral dosing includes administration in feed or water as well as tablets, boluses, pastes and

liquids (drenches)

Advantages

No injection sites

No risk of drug residue

No risk of infection

No excessive trim at slaughter


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Disadvantages

Absorption is slow (1 hour before taking effect)

Risk of overdosing and under dosing

strenuous work

percentage that’s absorbed is considerably less than 100% depending on the animal

digestive tract destroying drug

risk of choking

risk of damaging the facial muscles

3.1.2 Animal restraint

As every animal must be restrained somehow before they are administrated medication it

was important to investigate this area as well. This would determine whether or not this

area could be improved to help farmers when they are administrating medication to cattle.

It was discovered during the online research that there are four main restraint techniques.

These include are:

Non-contact

Chemical

Manual or physical

Combination method


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3.1.2.1 Non-contact

Non-contact restraint involves voice eye contact or gesture. A good example of this is

when the farmer stands at the gate with a bucket of nuts and calls the animals while

shaking the nuts. The animals get used of the voice of the farmer and eventually he can call

them without the use of feeding. The animals will walk behind him as he calls them if he

wishes to put them into a new field. There are two different classes of animals, the animal

that is been handled from birth and milked twice a day and beef cattle who are not used of

human contact unless they require medical treatment.

3.1.2.2 Chemical

This is a form of medical restraint used to restrict the movement of an animal. It is usually

done using tranquilizers or anaesthetics and has to be done by a professional.

3.1.2.3 Manual or physical

This is the most common technique used to restrain animals. It involves using your body or

a device to restrict the movement of the animals. There are a wide range of physical cattle

restraint devices available on the market. The most common type of device used would be

the crush pen which can be portable or fixed. The nose tongs and halters are other methods

of restraining an animal. The halter is a basic tool for restraining. It can be created onsite

using a regular rope or a cow halters can be bought. The halters is placed over the animals

head and tightened under the animals chin. Once the cow is correctly haltered the rope

should be tied to a secure object to prevent the animal from moving. The nose tongs is used


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as a clamp to grasp the nose of the animal. As cattle have sensitive nasal septum this

device distracts them and restricts their movement.

Figure 1.35 portable crush pen. Figure 1.36 – Standard nose tongs Figure 1.37 – tied by halters

There are also a number of manual methods to restrain cattle. The tail restraint is a good

restraint for some procedures. It distracts the animal attention while work is being done on

other parts of the body. It should be done on animals that are used to be handled but can

work very effectively on beef animals as well. The base of the tail is lifted straight up

causing a pinching sensation on the vertebrae and caudal nerves to temporarily paralyse the

animal. If this procedure is not done correctly it could break the tail of the animals. The

farmer can use his thumb and forefinger to form a nose tongs but larger animals would be

more difficult to hold using this approach. Young animals can be caught and physically

penned without the use of any device.

3.1.2.4 Combination-method

This is done by using two or more of the previous methods discussed above.


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As the final year project developed it was discovered from the secondary research that

there are many solutions available on the market to the problems that were first discovered

from the research findings. The main reason these problems still exist was due to the fact

many farmers were unwilling to invest in the current devices available in the market.

The author then turned his attention to the problems vets face. These problems were

uncovered while completing the self-observation section of the primary research. The

author changed projects from restraint and administration of medication to animals to

creating a veterinary aid to help a vet to perform an on farm operation while reducing the

problems encountered. The main problems encountered included:

1) Time taken to set up for the procedure.

2) Having to set up a clean work area.

3) Sterilisation of utensils.

4) Hygiene and cleanliness throughout the procedure

3.1.3 Types of surgery’s

The first step taken during the online research was to uncover the main types of different

veterinary surgery’s that can be performed on the farm by a vet. These operations include

the following:

Caesarean sections

Wound repair

Foreign body removal


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Bloat surgery

3.1.3.1 Caesarean section

Caesarean sections are the most commonly performed operations on the farm. It is usually

done on an emergency surgery due to difficulties in the calving process. (Tyler 2008)

3.1.3.2 Wound repair

This is another very common operation that is performed on the farm. Wounds are formed

from objects that the animal may step on or run into. Usually the wounds can be easily

cleaned and sutured up sometimes using local anaesthetic. (Reynolds 2001)

3.1.3.3 Foreign body removal

Animals commonly swallow a variety of objects. These objects may cause obstructions to

the gastrointestinal track causing the animal pain and severe vomiting. The stomach or

intestine can be surgically opened to remove the object. (A. Kalan 2000)


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Bloat surgery

Figure 1.9 stomach twisting

Bloat surgery is more commonly known as twisted stomach surgery it usually occurs when

the stomach fills with gas and twists. This can be seen in the above image. The immediate

aim of the surgery is to return the stomach to its original position. As cows have four

stomachs it is also possible for one of the stomachs to move to the wrong side of the

animals. This would also require surgery to correct the problem, it is reported that about

2% of animals suffer from this twisted stomach condition (McClory 2011). Cows too fat at

calving cannot eat as much due to fat deposits around the stomachs and are eight times

higher risk of needing the surgery.

3.1.4 Introduction to caesarean

It is difficult to estimate the percentage of animals needing caesareans each year. There are

many factors to be taken into consideration as each animal is different, these factors can be

seen in figure 1.10


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Factors effecting calving difficulties

Figure 1.10- calving difficulties

Cows of larger breeds have larger pelvic areas which should give them an advantage when

it comes to calving. The larger breeds also have proportionately bigger calves, this cancels

out the advantage of having a larger pelvic area. Due to the extreme muscle conformation

and small pelvic size of Belgian blue cows nearly all calves are born by caesarean section.

All Belgian blue stud bulls have to be born via caesarean section because of their sheer size

making natural delivery impossible.

The following table was taken from a research findings report conducted in the Colorado

state university. It relates the animals age to the percentage risk of calving difficulty on two

different animal types.


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3.2 Effects of animals age on calving difficulty

Dam's age Research station calving difficulty

MARC CSU

2 years 54 percent 30 percent



5 years and over 5 percent 3 percent

http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G2035

It is not just the age of the animal that increases the percentage of an animal needing a

caesarean, the animals breed, calf birth weight, shape of the calf and breed of the calf must

be all taken into consideration to determine the percentage risk of an animal needing a

caesarean.

3.2.1 Materials needed

From completing the online research and interviewing the exports it was discovered that

everything needed to perform a caesarean will have enough to complete any other farm

related operation. As a result of this the author decided to focus on creating a device

mainly focused around caesarean sections as it required the most equipment. The author

then looked into the equipment needed and the purpose they serve.



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Surgical Drapes

The surgical drapes are used to reduce the risk of

infection and disease spreading. The drapes also

protect the user from blood and other bodily fluids

splattering up at him. The drapes can be disposable one

Figure 1.11 Surgical Drapes time use only or sterilised through autoclave after use.

Surgical utensils

The minimum surgical utensils required to perform a

caesarean include: scalpel handle(22 blade), Dissecting

scissors, rat toothed forceps, 2 artery forceps needle holders

and needle(large, round bodied and cutting). The utensils

Figure 1.12 Surgical utensils are pre-sterilised at the veterinary clinic and given to the vet

wrapped in drapes to be used to perform the surgery on one animal only. The utensils are

rewrapped in the drape material and sent back to the lab to be scrubbed, sterilised and

wrapped in new clean drapes. This can be seen in both images below.

Figure 1.13 pre-sterilised utensils Figure 1.14 pre-sterilised utensils


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Suture materials: absorbable and non-absorbable

There are two types of suture materials used during a

caesarean. Its purpose it to hold the body tissue together after

the surgery has been performed. Catgut suture material is used

to stitch up the uterus where the incision was created. It is also

Figure 1.15 suture material used to stitch up the muscle layer. This type of stature is used

because it naturally degrades by the body. The full tensile strength of the material lasts for

up to seven days allowing the wound to heal. It takes ninety days for the material to be

absorbed.

The final skin layer is sutured together with non-absorbent suture material. It can be made

out of several different materials but the most common one used is silk. It has a higher

tensile strength but has to be removed by the vet or farmer after a week or two when the

wound has healed up. (Greenberg 2010)

Lignocaine 2% solution

Lignocaine 2% solution is used to cause temporary loss of feeling

or numbness of the area where it’s applied.

Figure 1.16 Lignocaine 2% solution.


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Oxytocin solution

The oxytocin solution is used to stimulate the release of

milk from the memory gland.

Figure 1.17 Oxytocin solution

Calving chains or calving ropes

Figure 1.18 calving chains Figure 1.19 calving chains in use

These is used to help aid the vet or farmer to pull the calf out of the animal at the correct

45% angle. These should be washedand sterilised if possible after use.

Iodine

Iodine solution is added to water to help sterilise, disenfect

and clean. It is used as a sergucal scrub when added to warm

water by the vet to wash himself, the animal and his tools.

Figure 1.19 iodine Figure 1.20 mutilated spirits


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Cotton wool & alcohal swabs

These are used by the vet for

cleaning and swabbing wounds. The

material has a high absorbency, is

hygienic and has a soft texture that

is not harmful to the skin.

Figure 1.21 – alcohol wipes & cotton wool

Animal clippers or shaving blade

Figure 1.22 electric shaver Figure 1.23 - razor

The animal clippers or shaving blade is required to shave the hair around the incision site

before the operation can commence.


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Antibiotics

The antibotic is used to kill any bacterica.

Oxytetracycline is an example of the most comon

used antibiotic used by vets

Figure 1.24 – Oxytetracycline

Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

(NSAID) is used to control pain and

inflammation.

Figure 1.25 - Ketofen


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Regional anaesthetic needle 18G x 6 inch & Syringes (5ml, 10ml, 30ml)

Figure 1.26 18G x 6inch needle Figure 1.27 18G x 6inch needle Figure 1.28 syringe

The disposable syringes and needles are required to administrate the different types of

vaccines to the animal. A new syringe and needle should be used when injection the

different vaccine type

Insect repellent spray

Open wounds are very susceptible to the risk of infection . this spray

is used as an antiseptic to provent infection in the cut. It also

provents the attraction of insects to the open flesh wound.

Figure 1.29 – insect repellent


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Sterile gloves

These are used to improve the hygiene levels when in

contact with the utensils or the animal. They are

intended for one time use only.

Figure 1.30 sterile gloves

Disposable rectal and examination glove

Figure 1.31& Figure 1.32 - Disposable rectal and examination glove

These disposable gloves are used to handle and examine the animal. They are intended for

one time use only. They improve hygiene and reduce the risk of the spread of diseases.


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3.2.2 Sterilisation

The next step taken was to discover the different sterilisation techniques available to

discover could the current method be changed. The author discovered four different

sterilisation techniques, these include:

Cold sterilisation

Hot sterilisation

Autoclave

Chemical sterilisation

Cold sterilisation

Cold sterilisation is a process in which sterilisation is carried out at a low temperature with

the help of chemicals, radiation, membranes and all other means excluding high

temperatures.

Hot sterilisation

Hot sterilisation is one of the earliest forms of sterilisation practiced. It simply involves

boiling the utensil for 30 minutes or more to kill off the bacteria. It was later discovered

that this method does not kill spores which can germinate and cause the bacteria to resume

growth. As a result this method is insufficient way to achieve sterilisation and a surgical

utensil.


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Autoclave

Figure 1.33 how autoclave works Figure 1.34 autoclave machine

Autoclave is a device used to sterilise utensils. This is achieved by subjecting them to high

pressure steam of around 120 degrees Celsius for about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the

load size. This is a typical device used to sterilise the utensils when they are sent back to

the veterinary lab.

Chemical sterilisation

Although heating provides the most reliable was to sterilise objects it is not always

possible as some materials are heat-sensitive. The use of gas and liquid chemical

sterilisation can provide significant results to kill bacteria. Chemical sterilisation poses

challenges for workplace safety. The chemicals destroy a wide range of bacteria but the

chemicals used are also harmful for humans.

3.3 Leaflets

While conducting the primary research stage of this project the author went on a field trip

to the national ploughing championships. Here he received many different leaflets in

relation to this project. Many different leaflets from different types of engineering firms


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and iron works companies were received they showed many images and descriptions of the

latest handling facilities available on the market.

A leaflet on animal health management was received. This leaflet explained how to

correctly record the withdrawal periods for veterinary antibiotics. It explains the use of

vaccines and the number of treatments permitted per animal.

A leaflet on animal welfare explaining intensive raring units and the animals it applies to

was collected. Intensive raring unit should be used on animals that cannot be handled.

These include chickens and pigs. These animals should be dosed through the water or feed.

The Irish farmers association were handing out leaflets on the importance of where you

should buy animal remedies. It outlines the importance of what to look for when buying

medication from people calling from door to door, buying from catalogues, and buy online.

Leaflets on the storage of medication, volumes that should be given to an animal, where to

keep medicine records and how to dispose unused or out of date medication was also

gathered.

3.4 DVD

3.4.1 Facilities

Three basic components in safe handling of animals

i. The farmer

ii. The animal


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iii. Facilities

Well designed and maintained facilities are safer for both man and animal

Should be strong and high enough to hold animals

Gates should open and close easily

Should have built in escape routes and safe passages for the farmer

Should allow for quick and safe entry and escape

Crush gates should have room and clear vision in front and be opened from above

Design to minimise contact between farmer and animal

3.4.2 Safe handling at calving

Suckler herd farms are at a higher risk of accidents during calving periods

Should be restrained in a proper calving gate when assisting during calving

Calves should be placed in an open top trailer visible to the cow during movement.

3.4.3 Loading of livestock

Appropriate equipment should be used for loading animals

Extra care should be taken for young animals that are not used of being loaded

Be cachous of animal kickbacks

Extra vigilantes taken when loading a bull avoid contact

3.4.4 Safety with a stock bull

When entering a field contain a bull:

Use vehicle if possible


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Keep safe distance

Stay close to the electric fence

3.4.5 Safety issues with bull beef

Livestock have killed 23 people from 2000 to 2010

54% by bulls

19% by cattle

15% by cows

12% by mare

High risk of attack when moving, feeding and loading animals

Fields should be fenced to a high standard

Feeding bulls in a shed are at a lower risk of attacking

3.4.6 Breading of Docility

Good compact calving patterns recommended 2-3 months

Select breeding stock with good temperament

3.4.7 Principles of temple gradin

There are two concepts to the principles of temple gradin

1) Flight zone. This is the personal space of the animal. Size of the flight zone

depends on the temperament of the animal and whether or not they have been


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exposed to humans on a regular basis. Animals will turn and move away when

flight zone is entered. You should not approach an animal head on.

2) Point of balance. This is at the animals shoulder and is determined by the wide

angle vision of the animal. It is considered the centre of gravity where movement is

concerned. The blind spot of an animal should be avoided. This is the area behind

the rear of the animal.

Please see appendix7.6 for full for the full DVD.

3.5 Journal articles

Many journal articles about restraining animals, types of injection techniques and the use

and storage of vaccines were studied. From this information was gathered on the correct

method to use with each injection technique and the consequents of poor injection

techniques. The information obtained hinted that perhaps at the moment the administration

of medication area could be improved to speed up the time taken to carry out the

procedure. It could be improved


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4 Primary research

A number of different information techniques were used during the primary research stage.

These include the following:

Interviewing the exports

Observation

Field trips

Direct Emailing

Phone interview

Interviewing the farmers

4.1 Interviewing the exports

It was decided face to face interviews with a local veterinary clinics would help gain a

greater insight into the area in a bid to get a clearer understanding into the problem area.

These interviews would also benefit greatly in identifying existing problems that a

veterinary surgeon faces in everyday tasks.

When preparing the questions to ask the exports in the area of veterinary the questions

were kept as broad but relevant as possible to get a clearer insight into the area, the work

they do and uncover problems they encounter. All yes/no answers to all the questions

asked were avoided.


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The first interview was conducted with Derrick long MVB MRCVS experienced

veterinary surgeon in Rathkeale Co. Limerick

4.1.1 Name: Derrick Long

Date: 20/09/12

Key findings:

o Beef cattle tend to be wilder than dairy animals

o Beef farms are less developed compared to dairy farms

o Time taken to dose cattle could be reduced

o Accidental human injection high

o Animal recovery after operations is an issue due to farm conditions

o Difficult to operate on beef cattle

o Has to teach farmers how to administrate medication occasionally

Please see appendix 7.1.1 for more information about the interview

4.1.2 Name Joe Kelleher

Date: 12/10/12

Key findings:

o New regulation requiring all farmers to lock up vaccines and syringes


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o Animal health plan cattle could be dosed up to 9 times a year

o Difficulties with recording withdrawal periods of the animal depending on the drug

they were administered


4.1.3 Name Gareth Teskey

Date: 19/10/12

Key findings:

o Help needed to restrain young animals

o Environment is not always the cleanest when the vet is called out.

o Makeshift method to lay out utensils in the cleanest possible way in necessary.

o Animals need to be restrained correctly to administrate IV fluids.

o Two people required to restrain an animal.

o Pour on treatment is time consuming.

o Oral dosing is very labour intensive.

o Constantly training farmers.

o Cattle are being kept in longer as a result infection is on the rise.

o Sterilisation not practiced correctly.



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4.1.4 Name: Morgan Lyons.

Date: 22/10/12

Key findings:

o Oral drenching gun is constantly getting blocked during use

o High risk of over dosing and under dosing during oral drenching

o Syringe barrel gets clouded as a result liquid content cannot be seen.

o Difficult to get the fluid back the animals throat

o Restraining animals for hoof work could be improved

o Hard to keep animals heads up

o Difficult to catch young calves and restrain them

o Design for both the user and animal

Please see appendix 7.1.4 for more information about the interview.

After revising the final year project and coming to the conclusion that animal restraint and

administration of medication was perfected the researcher decided to look into the

problems vets face. The main findings are listed below in the main research findings

section. He began looking into the area of onsite operations performed on the farm and

how a product can improve this procedure. As a result he ended up revisiting a vet to ask

him another serious of questions to find out more information on my problem area.


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4.1.5 Name Gareth Teskey.

Date: 15/11/12

Key findings:

o Object removal, caesarean sections, twisted stomachs and general stitch ups are the

most common farm operations performed.

o Caesareans are the most common preformed operations by him

o Takes over 20 minutes to set up for an operation

o Assistant required to scrub up

o Utensils come pre-sterilised in vacuum pack bags

o Longest utensil is about 8 inches

o Tools are sent back to the veterinary lab to be sterilised after use

o Three different basins required

a) First wash

b) Final wash

c) Small basin for utensils

Please see appendix 7.1.5 for more information about the interview.

4.2 Ethnographic research:

4.2.1 Shadowing:

The next approach taken was to shadow a vet for the day. Here valuable first-hand

experienced any problems the vet faces in everyday tasks when dealing with cattle on the

farm. All problems were carefully written down or documented using a camera. While


38

observing the vet going farm to farm the author also got talking to the farmers. They were

able to give feedback into any issues they face and how they feel the area could be

improved.

The key problems discovered include:

o Time taken to get set up on arrival to each farm is high

o Vets hands are full transporting all the required equipment closer to the animal

holding area

o The vet has to find a safe place to lay down utensils closer to the animals.

o Farmers assistance is required to hold the equipment if there is no place close

o In some cases the vet uses the bonnet of his vehicle if it is close enough to the crush

pen.

Please see appendix 7.2.3 for more information about the observation of the vet.

4.2.2 Product testing

In order to gain an insight into the administration of medication, the process for injecting

animals was completed with the help of a local farmer. The entire process from bringing in

the animals off the field, to injecting the animal was recorded using a digital camcorder.

By getting involved and attempting this, time taken, difficulties encountered and success

rate of the product could be recorded. It also gave a better understanding as to how a

farmer would approach this task.


39

Issues that rose:

o It was difficult to bring in the animals off the field.

o Once all the cattle were in the holding area it was difficult to get the correct animal

up the crush pen.

o The animals young animals kept reversing and turning in the crush pen

o No place to put the syringe and bottle when bringing in the cattle

o Unsure of the correct dosage to give to the animals

o Was not taking due care of the needle when trying to hunt the animal up the pen

o The farmer hunted the animals up the pin from behind(at risk of getting kicked)

o Two people required to complete the task

o Unsure of the correct area to administrate the antibiotic

o Animal experienced some discomfort/pain once the needle was inserted

o Needle was not cleaned/disinfected before or after use

Please see appendix 7.2.1for more on product testing information.

It was also important to observe different methods to administration of medication. As a

result the process of pour on treatment of animals was digitally recorded and all research

findings were noted paying particular attention to the problems encountered using this

approach.

Key findings:


40

o Built in measure in the pour on bottle is not accurate .It allows extra fluid to escape

when the bottle is turned upside down increasing overdosing.

o It is difficult to get the fluid back into the bottle from the measure holder.

o Difficult to see the ml measurements in the side of the bottle.

o Disposable gloves have to be worn to stop the fluid getting in contact with the skin

o Animals moved forward or reversed in the crush as the treatment was been applied.

Please see appendix 7.2.2 for more information on pour on treatment method.

4.2.3 Project aims changing

As the project began to develop the auther came to the conclusion that there were many

different solutions available to the problems encountered. It was farmers unwillingness to

invest within this area that resulted in many issues discovered during the research findings

stage. As a result all existing data was reexamined to uncover any aditional problems. The

key findings were extracted from the interview with the exports and observation

techniques.

Key findings from interviewing the exports:

Animal recovery after operations is a continous issue as you have to work on farm

conditions

Veterinary products needed for all opreations can be located in the back of the van

Person present is required to aid the vet when treating a sick animal


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Vet recommends the farmer has a clean environment or someplace to lay out the

utensils to keep then sterile. This never happens as the vet is usually called out on

emergancy suituations where the farmer would not be prepared.

Hot water is needed to sterilise utensils

Light is an issue when operation on animals at night

Spring time busiest time of the year for vets due to calving problems.

Observation findings:

The first observation noted was the condition of the back of the van. It was difficult for the

vet to find anything. All vacine bottles were neatly stored on a premade shelf as seen in the

middle image. All vacine bottles were the same size of 100ml and brown in colour. This

ment the vet had to check a few bottles before he found the correct vacine bottle he needed

. The sergucal gloves and disposable drapes were located at the front of the van and were

shown to me after the vet had spent a few minuted rutting around and removing items that

were covering them. The vet had no calving ropes or iodine solution in his van at the time.

The yellow bucket was used to store all his sharps(ie used needles and blades).


42

The next key observation noted was the length of time it took the vet to find all his

equipment he would need to preform a surgury on the animal. He had to search different

compartment of the van to locate what he would need for the operation. He had to reed

some of the bottles and boxes as he was unsure what was inside of them.

When the vet finally located all the equiptment required he had

to carry them over to his work area. This involved taking two or

three trips as he was unable to carry everything in both hands.

Once the vet had set up he reliased he had forgotten something

so he had to return to the van to get it.


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The vet along with the farmers help has to layout a

makeshift table to hold his utensils out of the cows reach

in the cleanest possible way.

4.3 Observation

Due to time constraints and the time of the year it was impossible to observe the process of

a caesarean first hand. As a result an online video was used as a substitute to understand

the process clearer.

Key findings:

Please see appendix 7.1.4 for more information about the caesarean

4.4 Field trips

It was arranged to visit the national ploughing championships in county Wicklow on the

27th

of September as part of the early research stage of this final year project. Here the

author got talking to many different stalls and receiving a number of different leaflets and

contact information.


44

These stalls included:

Teagasc: The national body providing integrated research, advisory and training

services to agriculture and food industry.

Department of agriculture and food in district veterinary office

Animal health Ireland

The animal welfare advisory council.

The health and safety authority

O’Donnell engineering-portable handling equipment

O’Sullivan Iron works.

4.5 Direct Emailing

Following the initial field trip a number of email contacts were gained. Emails were sent to

various interested parties in order to get their reaction and shed some light on issues that

were encountered. Unfortunately many of these contacts were unable to help with many

emails not yet being returned by companies

Please see appendix 7.4.1for more information about the sample email used.

.


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Teagasc

From the advice received at the teagasc office at the national ploughing championships it

was decided to email the local teagasc office to gather additional information from them.

Joe Kelleher emailed back and an arrangement was made to meet face to face.

Animal Health Ireland

While conducting secondary research online a contact email address was discovered for the

animal health Ireland page. Animal health is relevant to the project area so it was decided

to email the company to get further advice on the regulations around animal health.

Unfortunately Jackie emailed back explaining that AHI is not in a position to help with the

research for this project. She recommended getting in contact with veterinary Ireland.

.

Please see appendix 7.4.2 for more information about the observation of the vet.

Farm animal welfare advisory council

An email was also sent to the farm animal welfare advisory council. The following day

Irene Dunne emailed back and arranged a phone interview.

Please see appendix 7.4.3 for more information regarding the email reply


46

4. Veterinary Ireland

Waiting for a reply back

4.6 Phone interview

Continuing on from the email to farm animal welfare advisory council, Irene Dunne

phoned back the following day. The following was discussed during a 15 minute

conversation:

Dosage calculation of medication depending on Type, weight, condition

Government legislation

Regulations governing animal farm animal health and welfare

Issues with different Disease’s

Advice on who to get in contact with for additional information.

Dosage calculation:

To calculate the correct dosage you must know the weight of the animal and the

dosage rate. For example, to treat a 600 kg cow with procaine penicillin at the label

dosage of 2.5 mL per 100 kg of body weight once daily, inject: 600 kg/100 x 2.5 mL =

15 ml.

One millilitre (ml) and one cubic centimetre (cc) represent the same volume and are

interchangeable in calculating drug dosages.


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Government legislation:

Irene emailed on links to the veterinary practice act of 2005 and the diseases of animal act

1966.

Regulations governing animal farm animal health and welfare

Email back if any additional information is require on different diseases

4.7 Talking to the Farmer:

The author set out to talk to as many farmers as possible in my local area. He decided to

have a casual conversation with each farmer while also taking notes to extract as much

information as possible. He felt this would be a better method than just giving the farmer a

questionnaire to fill out. It allowed me gather more information and give me answers to

questions he wouldn’t have taught of putting into a questionnaire. The farmer felt more

comfortable and open to talk. He was also able to show the researcher examples from the

answers he gave.

Examples of the type of questions the author aimed to get answers for:

How do you manage to restrain an animal?

Do you usually inject animals selectively or all at once?

Managing correct dosages?

Correct place on the body to inject an animal?

Do you have any issues with hygiene?

Do you have any issues with existing devices?


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4.7.1 Name: Basil Fitzsimons – Dairy farmer

Date interviewed: 07/09/12

Placed visited; Basils farm, the deer park, Barrigone, Askeaton

Key findings:

Had to dose the bulls with 110ml of a certain drench, the gun did not go up to

110ml so each animal had to be dosed twice

Took over one hour and twenty minutes to dose the seven cattle.

Difficult to get them down the crush and stay there

Their heads were too big to go out the crush pen gate.

Each animal had to be tied individually with a halter

The animals were stressed.

No place to put my dosing gun while I was letting off each animal and putting the

next one in.

4.7.2 Name: Mike Keane – Organic farmer

Date interviewed: 07/09/12

Place visited: Mike Keane’s Farm, Morgan’s, Askeaton, Co Limerick

Key findings:


49

Doesn’t believe in injecting animals, uses herbal medication (uddermint)

Is joined an organic farming scheme and has to have all medication locked away

safety on the farm.

He stores most of his medication in his house a half mile away from his farm the

rest of the medication is laid up on shelves visible to everyone on the farm.

Encounters difficulty when trying to pare an animal’s hoof

Finds it difficult to catch/restrain pigs

Figure 4.7.1 Uddermint

4.8 Primary research conclusion


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It is clear from the primary research that there is a need for a product that will help aid

veterinary surgeons when it comes to preforming all major operations outside the

veterinary clinic. After undertaking the primary research section it was felt this final year

project proposal will be able to address current issues veterinary surgeons face when

completing this task. This would increase its overall viability if it is to be sold in the

market place. The research stage of this project has provided a concrete base for this

project and will prove valuable during the design and development stage.

5 Research findings

It was discovered during the research stage that there is a niche in the market that would

address the following issues discovered:

The time taken for a vet to get set up when he arrives on a farm is incredibly high.

This is mainly due to the fact that all his equipment needed is scattered around the

back of his vehicle. He is unsure of where some of his equipment is that is needed

to perform specific surgeries as other items may have been placed on top of them or

they have moved during transportation.

Transportation issues rose when the vet had to take all the required equipment needed to

perform an operation from the van to the surgery site. As many of the on farm

operations are performed in a shed vets are usually unable to drive up that close to the

operation site. The vet requires a number of different items when preforming the surgery

and is unable to carry everything at once. As a result the vet ends up taking two if not


51

three trips from the van to the operation site. During set up the vet may realise he has

forgotten something and will end up making another trip to the vehicle.

As vets are called out in an emergency situation the farmer isn’t always prepared. The

shed or working environment would not be at its cleanest. As a result the vet has to set

up a work area to lay his utensils on to keep them clean and as sterile as possible. It is an

operation at the end of the day and good hygiene help reduce the risk of infection. This

makeshift work area can range from a foldable table to a plank of wood on top of a

barrel depending on whatever the farmer has handiest to him

The vet needs to have three basins to perform the surgery.

1. A first wash basin that should be deep enough so the vet can wash up past his

elbows

2. A final wash basin. This only needs to be deep enough to wash the vets hands

3. A basin to wash and sterilise his utensils. This only needs to be about 200mm

long and deep enough to cover the entire set of utensils.

The farmer has to go looking for buckets as the vet may not always have these in his

van. The buckets may not always be the cleanest to use for the operation and may need

to be scrubbed clean

The vet needs hot water to perform the surgery. As many beef farmers do not have hot

water on their farm yard they may have to get a kettle from their house to boil the water.

The house and farm yard may not always be beside each other. As a result the farmer

has to travel to get a kettle. This may not always from the farmer to sterilise his utensils

wash the animal’s side and his hands.


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When the operation has been performed successfully the vet has to gather up all his

equipment and place it back in his vehicle. This will also involve two or more trips to

insure everything is gathered.

6 Design Guide

Primary Market

This product can be used by both male and female

Veterinary surgeons

Secondary market

Veterinary clinics

Veterinary supplies stores

Assumptions

There is very little room in the back of a vets vehicle

Not every floor is even

Users will be

Veterinarians

Veterinary Nurse

Farmer

Functional criteria


53

The product will need a storage facility

It will need a flat surface to work on

Two of not three wash up basins

Easy to clean

May need to produce hot water

Foldable and adjustable legs

Main loading of this product will be veterinary utensils and hot water

Light weight and easy to transport

Use/ mode of operation

Easy to assemble and dissemble

Easy to transport form vehicle to operation sight

Environmental conditions

This product will be used on a farm environment

This product will be used in all weather conditions day or night

It will be able to withstand a kick from an animal

It will have to be resistant as possible to bacteria as it will be transported from farm

to farm

It should be resistant to corrosion of veterinary medication and sterilisation fluids.

Performance criteria


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Foldable and adjustable legs

It will have to be stored easily

Should require little time to set up and use

The basins should be removable to discard the water inside of them

Durability and reliability

This product will be made from a material of high durability

Optimal resistance to heat damage

Optimal resistance to water damage

Adaptability

This product will be used on different type farms of different conditions.

It will be used in a shed or a field in all weather conditions

Physical Properties

The product must be lightweight for easy transportation

The product will be heaver when in use as it will be holding water

The product must be small enough for one person to carry and for easy storage

The product needs to be made from high quality easy to clean material

The product will be used as a stationary surgical table when in use

Product aesthetics


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All areas of the product must be smooth with no corners or crevices to catch

bacteria

Surface finish should be easily cleaned

Basins may need to be made from stainless steel to withstand high temperatures

The product should exhibit quality and strength.

Interface Requirements

There are no additions to the product that require an interface as of yet

Safety

Warning signs and further documentation must be made available with the product.

Product must not fall as it will be holding hot water and sharp utensils.

ISO 13485 must provide safe and effective medical device.

Information must accompany the product showing the user how it should be

operated and its point of limitations.


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7 References

Daniel Scanlon (2010)

http://highplainsdairy.org/2010/9_Daniels_Needle%20Free%20Injection_FINAL.pdf

(William Herring 2006) http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G2035

(James McClory 2011) http://www.farmersjournal.ie/site/farming-Vet-s-corner-12647.html

(A.Kalan 2000) http://pmj.bmj.com/content/76/898/484.full

(Chris Reynolds 2001) http://drwheatgrass.com/animals/wounds_eczema

(Jeff Tyler 2008) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2387259/

(James Greenberg) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046763/

(D.B. Morton 2001) http://la.rsmjournals.com/content/35/1/1.full.pdf

http://www.imb.ie/images/uploaded/swedocuments/LicenseSPC_10857-038-

001_06052010020108.pdf

http://web.jhu.edu/animalcare/procedures/restraint.html

Journal articles:

Veterinary Ireland (2012) the safe use and storage of vaccines- volume 95 issue 18

December 2012

The Irish farmer’s journal (2012) Agriculture and livestock- volume 64 issue 9 September

2012

http://highplainsdairy.org/2010/9_Daniels_Needle%20Free%20Injection_FINAL.pdf


http://www.farmersjournal.ie/site/farming-Vet-s-corner-12647.html

http://pmj.bmj.com/content/76/898/484.full

http://drwheatgrass.com/animals/wounds_eczema

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2387259/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046763/

http://la.rsmjournals.com/content/35/1/1.full.pdf

http://www.imb.ie/images/uploaded/swedocuments/LicenseSPC_10857-038-001_06052010020108.pdf

http://www.imb.ie/images/uploaded/swedocuments/LicenseSPC_10857-038-001_06052010020108.pdf

http://web.jhu.edu/animalcare/procedures/restraint.html


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Veterinary medication (2009) antibiotic administration volume 6 issue 1

Image references

http://neolabs-solutions.com/public/mce/images/technology.jpg


http://www.greenscountrystore.co.uk/pictures/products/wormers/applicators/Prima-gun.jpg

http://www.hzproduct.com/s-c/615/633/veterinary-1.html

http://www.murrayfarmcare.co.uk/ProductMediaGallery/1080___Selected.jpg

http://www.valleyvet.com/group_images/24265_A.jpg

http://www.infovets.com/books/smrm/C/Images/C854-5.gif

http://backalleysoapbox.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/untitled.jpg


http://www.panddengineering.com/uploads/lrg/117-1390670.jpg

http://www.justforponies.com/productimages/halters/LAmigoHalters2.jpg

http://www.mannengineering.ie/Light_Fabrication/114

http://www.selectsires.com/products/images/uddermint_singletube.jpg



http://www.greenscountrystore.co.uk/pictures/products/wormers/applicators/Prima-gun.jpg

http://www.hzproduct.com/s-c/615/633/veterinary-1.html

http://www.murrayfarmcare.co.uk/ProductMediaGallery/1080___Selected.jpg

http://www.valleyvet.com/group_images/24265_A.jpg

http://www.infovets.com/books/smrm/C/Images/C854-5.gif

http://backalleysoapbox.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/untitled.jpg


http://www.panddengineering.com/uploads/lrg/117-1390670.jpg

http://www.justforponies.com/productimages/halters/LAmigoHalters2.jpg

http://www.mannengineering.ie/Light_Fabrication/114

http://www.selectsires.com/products/images/uddermint_singletube.jpg


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8 Appendix

8.1 Interviews detailed descriptions

8.1.1 Date: 20/09/12

Person Interviewed: derrick Long

(Q1).Are there adequate facilities on hand when you are called out to a sick animal?

(A1).Most modern farms have inadequate facilities; especially suckling farm facilities are

totally inadequate to handle animals. (Suckling farm animals would be very wild).

Dairy farms are usually better equipped compared to beef mainly because they have a far

better return on the farm and tend to reimburse to a greater degree on the farm and farm

infrastructure.

(Q2). Would you recommend farmers have anything on standby before you have arrived to

their farm to treat a sick animal?

(A2).No, not really all situations are different.

(Q3).Have you had any problems with any existing devices available to you on the market?


59

(A3).Ultrasound scanners are not rigid (robust) enough for farm use, there is a danger of

them being damaged while in use on the farm, also a danger of being damaged on the farm

especially when being used on a wild animal.

Automatic syringe for use on the field hasn’t yet been protected.

(Q4). Are smaller animals more difficult to handle? (Injecting a small cat).

(A4). Each animal presents their own difficulties, when you have exports at it you can

cope.

(Q5). How do you contain an animal that is brought into your veterinary clinic for a check-

up? Are you faced with any difficulties when carrying out this task?

(A5) It varies to a great degree on the owner and their ability to cope. Depending on Age

profile of the owner and their experiences on handling animals. Sometimes you look for

nursing or lay assistants.

(Q6)Do you have difficulty containing sick animals in the middle of the field? If so how do

you overcome this problem?

(A6). Animal should be properly restrained in adequate facilities, proper handling facilities

.Can’t handle/inspect an animal in the middle of the field unless an animal is recumbent.


60

(Q7.)How do you handle infection controls? Getting a prod of a needle, blood splattering

spread of TB to humans?

(A7.) We have to have a health and safety program like many businesses including our lay

staff and ourselves. In fact you have to have a health and safety program to register the

practice. Prod of a needle? I often got a prod of a needle. Have first aid product knowledge

on what we are using. You would be familiar with side effects of the drug and potential

hazards of the drug.

(Q8)Difficulty with animal recovery, Wound not healing up. Can this be handled better?

(A8) Continuous thing when you’re working on farm conditions not hospital facilities.

There is a huge variation, huge diverse action between individual animals and their ability

to cope with infection. Some animals can be quick healing compared to others, same as

people. So there is a huge diversity in response to surgery. Healing power depends on the

animal, farm and nutritional status.

(Q9) How do you handle operations on animals with blood and other fluid sprays? (Do you

ware face mask and protective clothing) spread of diseases.

(A9) We Wear PPE (personal, protective equipment) we don’t wear masks on farm

conditions not practical. We wear a mask when carrying out small animal surgery in the

clinic.


61

(Q10) Are there any procedures you find difficult to undertake?

(A10). It depends on the temperament of the animal. That’s a big factor some of the

modern limousine sucklers are difficult to operate on because of their temperament.

Depends on type of farming how they are handled, how often they are exposed to people.

(Q11)How do you handle extreme situations? An old farmer that has not changed their

method of farming in over 50 years compared to a young farmer that has all the adequate

facilities on hand.

(A11) That’s an educational thing the vet isn’t going to be able to change that. We come

out like the fire brigade and have to address the problem as it is given. Some young

farmers are no better than the old ones. Farmers do green certs to improve on this.

(Q12)What’s your experience on teaching other farmers how to administrate medication

and other minor operations? Does it happen often?

(A12) Comes up occasionally, I teach them to dehorn, administrate local antistatic. Most of

them now go to college and are taught these skills.

(Q13)Do you have any security issues with veterinary supplies?


62

(A13) No, but it is an on-going problem especially in small units where they are looking

for some of the ketamine like products, they steel them and decant them and use the

powder as a hallucinogenic. Dangerous drugs are stored under lock and key. Legislation in

veteran surgeons act implements that a premises be inspected every two years to check the

facilities they have for storing drugs from the public and lay staff even. As vets we can

only handle those drugs.

(Q13b). Do you have any problems with Transporting of drugs in your vehicle?

(A13b) It is a risk but they are not left exposed or the vehicle is not parked in a dangerous

place where it will be broken into, supposed to be kept in a confined area.

(Q14)Do you have a particular way of managing your van?

(A14) Van fit a company producing this fitted equipment for shelving etc. That has been

on the market for the last 10 years. Personally I got stuff made by a carpenter. Same

products that are always in the van but obviously these products need to be replenished

from time to time.

(Q15)How do you transport equipment? Example when you are called out to a farm and

there is a sick animal down the field?

(A15)Most of us have 4x4 vehicles and in most cases can drive to the animal.


63

(Q16)How do you handle your waste? Old needles, gloves, PPE (personal protective

equipment)

(A16) Environmental groups supply and take away all that stuff. All drugs, sharp points

etc. have to be disposed of. Environmental waste companies disposes of these. Any

surgical equipment is sterilized through Autoclave along with PPE.

8.1.2 Date: 12/10/12

Person interviewed: Joe Kelleher

Joe Kelleher is a teagasc representative for the west limerick constituency. Joe believed

there was a niche in the market for a device to store medication and veterinary utensils on

the farm. He explained that the department of agriculture are bringing in a new legislation

to make all farmers lock away all their injection devices and vaccine bottles in a safe place.

There are current schemes that award the farmer for having their veterinary utensils and

medication bottles stored in a safe secure place. An example of this is the board bia quality

assurance scheme entitling the farmer to an extra 6 cent per kg when they sign up. This

medication cabinet has to oblige by certain regulations for example sprays and vaccines

cannot be stored in the same cabinet, it needs to have a medical kit and it needs to have a

compartment to dispose of sharps (needles and blades)


64

Joe went on to discuss farm health plans. This is a document given to farmers with a list of

necessary actions to be taken by the farmer each month of the year. It outlines the different

medication to be administered to the animal depending on the time of the year. Each farm

plan is different as different farms are more susceptible to different diseases depending on

their farm location and farm history.

He discussed the importance of recording the withdrawal period after administrating

medication to the animal. The animal should not be sold for slaughter when they are still

within the withdrawal period. The farmer risks a fine if he does. He went on to explain

how farmers find it difficult to record the data the day they dose an animal. As a result they

end up writing down incorrect data days before the form has to be sent back to the

department.

8.1.3 Date: 19/10/12

Interview: Gareth Teskey

Q1). What would you recommend farmers to have on standby before you have arrived to

their farm to treat a sick animal?

A1). Somebody present, if it’s a young animal you need somebody to restrain the animal.

For the larger animals a good crush facility or a head stalling mechanism would suffice

Q2). What would you recommend farmers have when you arrive to carry out a procedure

or operation on an animal?


65

A2). A clean environment or something to lay utensils up on that would be sterile and

clean. Hot water to disinfect the utensils is also recommended. It’s an emergency situation

a lot of the time when are called out. Often the sheds are not always prepared, the

environment isn’t the cleanest so we have to make do what we have got. I would have to

have a makeshift way of laying things out to keep them clean. It’s an operation at the end

of the day and things have to be done as sterile as possible. Lighting can also be an issue if

the procedure is carried out at night.

Q3) Are there any procedure you find difficult to undertake?

A3) You could get a phone call to go out to treat a sick animal on the farm he is the only

one in the shed, u are on your own having to give the animal IV fluids. That can be

difficult.

Q4) Have you any issues restraining animals?

A4) there are two kinds of restraint in our field. The first one is chemical restraint which is

used to sedate them or take them down a level that they are not as anxious. The other kind

is physical restraint which can be cattle crush, head restraint, nose thongs or a head collar.

You need two people present when using these methods

Q5). Have you had any problems with any existing devices available to you on the market?

A5). Lifting the front legs of an animal would be an issue when you are paring a foot. I

have a hoist for the back legs but it doesn’t always work for the front legs so that’s a

physical job and can be detrimental to the lower back.


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Pour on treatment of animals is another issue. The person has to pack the crush up with

five animals going in at a time and you could have over one hundred to do. The time taken

then for the farmer to get out, put the correct dosage on the animals from head to tail on

each animal , let them go and reload the crush again.

Q6) Difficulty with animal recovery, Wound not healing up. Can this be handled better?

A6) cattle are ruminant animals compared to a horse or dog who have naturally bacteria

circulating in their blood. Due to this you can carry out a procedure on a cow that wouldn’t

need to be as clean as if you were doing it on a horse hence we do elective surgery like

caesarean sections, stomach operations and Nabil surgery on animals on the farms. This is

due to their bodily makeup. You could not carry out this procedure on a dog or cat it would

have to be done in a sterile environment.

Q7) Have you experienced any problems with any existing devices available to you on the

market?

A7) Farmers are finding it very difficult to dose cattle. Dairy farmers have been restricted

in what they can dose animals. Ireland has a huge input into the baby food industry

because a lot of the Irish milk is seen as been clean and healthy abroad. As a lot of our

exported milk goes to make baby food restrictions have been put in place in what you can

and can’t give to animals. A lot of existing drugs have been taken off the market for use in

cows producing milk for human consumption. Therefore we are back to oral drenching all

this research that has gone into injecting and pour-on most of the time cannot be used on

the cattle. When the farmer is dosing the animal he now has to physically catch the animals


67

head, open op the mouth and with a dosing apparatus put a volume of fluid back the

animal’s throat. This is backbreaking work with this method you run the risk of under-

dosing, overdosing and a risk of physical injury more for the operator than the animal.

Q8) Do you have any experience on teaching other farmers how to administrate medication

and other minor operations? Does it happen often?

A8) defiantly I would be constantly training farmers how to inject and showing them the

different site locations they should inject in. I would also be showing them the different

techniques, subcutaneous, intramuscular not IV though that would have to be done by the

professionally by the vet.

I would be always explaining the reasons behind why you inject in that location and the

issues that arise.

Q9). What is your busiest time of the year?

A9). It would be the spring time around March or April. As the years has gone by it has

gone into May and June. Not only are cows calving they are changing from a dry cow

situation to a milking cow situation which brings about loads of problems, retained

afterbirth, calves on the ground. Contamination is getting higher as the years are going on

cattle are in longer this causes more infection to build up.

Q10) have you encountered any issues with the spread of diseases in animal from farm to

farm?


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A10). That would envelope via security which there is different precautions farmers can

take by putting down mats for visitors coming in etc. you have different viruses that spread

from animal to animal by contact. You have farmers buying in animals and fences being

down next door. Animals you buy in that are not vaccinated coming into a heard which

could cause issues. Animals are susceptible to the spread of tuberculosis and brucellosis.

Farmers run the risk when they borrow trailers from different farmers. Vets are also on

every farm which means they are at a high risk of bringing diseases into a farm.

Q11) when farmers do not sterilise the needle correctly does this cause any problems?

A11). Definitely it can cause the spread of a disease. From a medical perspective you

should be using a new needle even a new syringe at that but in a practical since it doesn’t

happen. I am not condoning it in any since but ruminant animals can tolerate a bit of bad

bacteria.

8.1.4 Date 22/10/12

Person interviewed: Morgan Lyons

Summary:

On October the 22nd

the author organised a meeting with Morgan Lyons a department vet

at the department of agriculture and food in the district veterinary office limerick. The vet

had not practiced his qualification on over ten years and recommended to talk to a vet that

is in everyday practice. He believed there was a huge issue with current drenching guns

available on the market. Even though a multi-dosing drenching gun had been invented the


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pipe of it was constantly getting blocked by the vaccine fluid been administrated as it was

very dense. There is a huge risk of over dosing and under dosing in this method as well.

The syringe barrel gets clouded by the vaccine substance after one or two animals have

been dosed making it impossible to see is the correct volume of fluid going into the syringe

barrel. He also explained how difficult it is to open the mouth of the animal when trying to

place the fluid back their throat.

Unable to treat rumen fluke by administration of injection as it will cause residues in the

milk. Oxyclozanide is the only medical ingredient to effectively kill both mature and

immature rumen fluke. This can be only treated through oral dosing. As a result the vet

believed there would be a market for a redesigned drenching gun.

The vet continued on to discuss the difficulties around animal restraint. When he was

practicing he knew there was difficulty restraining an animal for hoof treatment. It was

strenuous work because he had to bend down and lift the animals leg himself. He believes

there are difficulties when it comes to raising the animals head. Finds it difficult to catch

and restrain calves.

The vet recommended taking both operator safety and animal safety into consideration into

the final design. Recommended the author should talk to teagasc advisers on handling

facilities as they might have a clearer insight of his this area.


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8.1.5 Date: 15/11/12

Person interviewed: Gareth Teskey

Q1). What types of operations are most commonly performed on the farm?

A1).Caesarean sections would be the most common preformed operation on the farm. You

would also have removal of items swallowed by the animals, twisted stomachs and general

stitch up operations on the farm. I would recommend that you focus on designing a

surgical kit for caesarean operations as you are going to have everything you need in this

kit to perform any other operations.

Q2). On average how long does it take to set up for an operation when you arrive on the

farm?

A2).At the moment it could take up to twenty minutes to get things sorted ever before you

begin the operation. Usually I spend a bit of time rutting around the van looking for items

but that’s a personal problem. Getting hot water to prepare and wash up for the operation

would also be an issue.

Q3).What is the best practice that should be undertaken when preforming an operation?


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A3). Set up and lay out your table out of the animals reach, put on your operation gown,

scrub up. You may need an assistant (the farmer) to scrub up. Unpack and layout the

surgical kit and be able to tread up some suturing material. Make the incision at the left

hand side of the animal, pull out the womb, make another incision, pull out the calf

carefully and stitch up the cow. Does this have any bearing on the device you are trying to

create? I do not think so.

Q4).How many tools are required when preforming the operation?

A4).Scalpel handle, 22mm blade, dictum scissors, rat tooth forceps, two archery forceps,

needle holder and three different types of needles are the minimum required tools. The vet

may need a halter to restrain the animal but the farmer usually has this done before the vet

arrives on the farm. If you are designing a case to help aid the vet during a caesarean I

would recommend not to get too carried away with trying to fit everything in the van into

the box. The kit should be lightweight and kept to a minimum when setting up for a

surgery.

If I had a device similar to what you are thinking of creating, I wouldn’t really need it to be

a place for everything and everything in its place at all. It would just need enough spaces to

put everything into. I decide where to put my needles sprays etc.

Q5). What is the overall size of the tools used?


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A5).The longest tool is about eight inches long. For your basin I think the longest of an A4

page and half its width would be big enough to place your utensils into. The utensils are

pre-sterilized at the veterinary clinic using autoclave equipment, wrapped up in drape

material and placed in a vacuum tight bag at the veterinary clinic. The vet may have two or

more of these bags in his van containing the same number of utensils at any one time. Once

the bag is opened it should be only used one time and handed back to the veterinary clinic.

Here they are scrubbed and placed back into the autoclave machine. The vacuum tight bag

should be opened as part of the last step taken before an incision in made in the animal.

There is no need to have slots on your device to hold the utensils as they will never be used

a flat surface to lay out the utensils when taken out of the vacuum tight bag.

Q6) Do you need to dispose of any of the tools once the procedure is completed?

A6) No tool is disposed of after the surgery. They will be given a scrub down if they are

very dirty, wrapped up in the material they came with and sent back to the veterinary lab as

explained in the previous question.

Q7) Rough volume amount of water required when preforming a caesarean on an animal?

A7). Roughly about two five gallon buckets. Water in both those buckets would have to be

fairly warm. Most dairy farmers would have warm water fairly accessible as they would

have it to clean their milking parlour. The water would be a farmer’s issue it would not be


73

recommended to get your device to heat eight gallons of water. It isn’t going to work is

could facility something to plug in a device to heat up the water.

Q8).Do you need iodine? Do you need hot water?

A8) No you would defiantly need iodine. It is used as a surgical scrub. You would

defiantly need hot water as well

Q9). Quantity of iodine used during the procedure?

A9) the iodine comes in a gallons but I recon a litre would be more than enough even half

litre would suffice. It is concentrated so it mixes in with the water one or two squirts out of

the bottle would do

Q10). Do you need to wash/sterilize all the tools? Does the all the tools need to be

sterilized or will the portion in contact with the animal suffice?

A10) the entire utensil needs to be sterilised. I would recommend that you should stay

away from the sterilisation side of things as many well established companies have tried to

improve the area and failed. There are still a number of companies out there providing

autoclave and things like that.

Q11). How many basins of water would you need?


74

A11).You would want three different basins of water. You would want a bucket for your

first wash to wash off the heavy contamination. This water would also be used to wash the

cow. The bucket should be deep enough to wash up to your elbows. You would need a

final wash in a basin. As you are half clean already this basin should be used to finish up. It

only needs to be able to wash from your wrist down. You will need a small basin for your

utensils. First wash would do in a bucket but it would be handy to have a clean sterile basin

as you can’t thrust how clean the farmers buck is.

Q12).Does the calving rope/calving chains need to be washed/sterilized after the

procedure?

A12) yes they would need to be kept clean and sterile if they could be. They defiantly need

to be washed anyway.

Q13). Where are the procedures typically done? (Night time/day time muddy conditions)

A13). Most farmers would have a head restraint and nearly always have the animal in a

shed ideally. If an animal does fall down in the middle of the field the farmer will nearly

always do their best to get the animal into the shed even if they have to lift in the animal by

the bucket of the tractor

Q14). Working height required for placing your utensils on?


75

A14). That depends it could be adjustable. It depends on the height of the operator. Your

back gets an awful doing from preforming sections as your back is humped over looking

down on the animal. If you are turning around to reach tools you don’t want to be bending

down too low either

Q15). Do you need a light?

A15) A light would be handy, something to light up your work area. Wouldn’t say the

product would need it though but it probably wouldn’t be that difficult to put it in as a

feature.

Q16). Do you ever experience difficulty with loosing injection needles dropping surgical

instruments etc.?

A16). It would often happen. Not saying it is best practice but if you place the utensils into

the cold sterilising fluid it should be ok to use after five or ten minutes so that would get

you out of trouble. If I dropped something I would be inclined to drop it into the first wash

bucket and scrub it clean before dropping it into the basin.


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8.2 Ethnographic research

8.2.1 Producr testing: Injection

The dog frightens the animals. He then has to be locked up.

One calf turns at the concrete pillar and runs back out into the field.

A calf turns for no reason and runs back out in the field.


77

Difficult to find the animal that needs to be injected

Difficulty trying to get the animals to go up the back of the crush pen.

Farmer has to physically push the animal he wants to inject up the crush pen.


78

Calf turns in the crush pen.

Calf reverses back and out the pen.

Two people required to handle and restrain the calf.


79

Bottle top was not cleaned before the needle was inserted.

Needle was not sterilised before use.

Unsure of the correct dosage amount to give to the animal


80

Not taking due care with the needle.

Nowhere to place the needle when trying to move the animal up the crush.

Unsure where to find the correct injection site


81

Risk of accidental human injection when pulling the animals skin with one hand

and piercing it with the needle.

Animal jumps forward while the hand was still in front of the needle. Animal

experienced some pain.

Needle pulls the animals skin when being removed causing some discomfort to the

animal.


82

Then the skin around the injection site of the animal is rubbed it has the possibility

of spreading disease to the user.

The syringe or needle are not sterilised when the user is finished with them.

Farmer points out where I should have injected the animal.


83

Ended up leaving the vaccine bottle up on the wall once I was finished

8.2.2 Producr testing: Pour on treatment

Farmer cleans the animals tails while they are in the crush pen

Built in measure in the pour on bottle. Squeeze the bottle to fill up the measurement


84

Very difficult to get the fluid back into the bottle if too much goes into the vaccine

measure located at the top of the bottle.

Fluid stays in the line. This may come out when the bottle is turned upside down to pour

the fluid over the animal increasing the risk of overdosing.

Farmer finds it difficult to see the ml measurements located at the side of the bottle.

Farmer ends up using a measure to accurately measure the dosage amount


85

Too much fluid comes out of the bottle and has to be poured back in

Farmer puts on a disposable glove to prevent the vaccine fluid getting in contact

with the skin

Time taken to pour on treat animals is high

Animal move up or reverse back the pen as the treatment is being applied. This

does not allow for even spread of the vaccine along the animals back


86

8.2.3 Shadowing

The vet arrives on the farm. After putting on his PPE he goes to the back of the van

to get the equipment needed to test animals.

The vet spends a considerable amount of time looking around the back of the van

for the equipment he required.


87

The vet has his hands full when bring all his equipment closer to the crush pen.

The vet uses the closest safe place to the crush to store his equipment. As many

farms do not have a wall beside their restraining facility this can be a problem.


88

Vet asks the farmer for assistance to hold his equipment.

Vet uses his jeep bonnet as a make shift table when he arrives on some farms.

Difficulty keeping animals head up in current crush pen facilities.


89

Veterinary equipment is at risk from being hit by the animal

The animal experiences some discomfort when being injected by the vet.

The vet waits around for the farmer to release the animals in the crush pen and hunt

in the next lot of animals to be tested.


90

The vet takes a sample of blood from the animal.

He then has to walk over to the makeshift table, label the blood sample, get a new

needle and blood sample container before going on the test the next animal,

The vet finds it difficult to read the animals tags and inject them for the TB test as

they put their heads down at the inside of the crush pen.


91

The vet cuts the animals hair in two different locations on the neck. He then injects

the animal in the two different locations with two different guns.

Vet experiencied dificulty when using rhe portable

scanner

the on button was located at the back of the

device to power it on and off.

the wire connecting the glasses to the device kept

getting disconnected.

the vet had to keep removing the device and the

examination gloves to to take the animal blood samples and inject for TB.


92

8.2.4 Ceasarean

caesarean procedure being carried out on a cow

The cow or heifer must have her head secured in a head catch or halter to prevent

her from moving around.

The vet creates a makeshift table to keep all his utensils clean and as sterile as

possible.

The left flank of the cow has to be washed with soapy water.


93

This area is then shaven behind the last rib where the insertion will be made.

The area is then scrubbed repeatedly with the hand or a sponge until clean.

A local anaesthetic is injected along the line of the insertion.

The vet needs to sterilise his tools while scrubbing his hands with an antiseptic

solution.


94

The vet once again scrubs down the surgical sight.

The vet applies a surgical spirit to the skin where he will make the incision. This is

70% alcohol and will kill any remaining germs.

Skin insertion is created top to bottom no smaller than 12 to 16 inches long.

This is followed by the incision of the muscle layer until you reach the inside of the

abdominal cavity of the uterus.


95

The vet tries to get hold of the hind legs of the calf

The uterus is now exposed and an incision is created.

The vet grabs the calf’s legs a pulls them through the incision.

The vet requires help from the farmers to remove the calf.


96

The vet grabs the ambiguous to protect it as the calf is being dragged out.

The calf is placed on a deep beading of fresh straw. The calf is then inspected.

Mucus is removed from the mouth and nostrils of the calf. Ambiguous is then

sectioned properly.

The vet sections the ambiguous properly


97

The vet scrubs again and uses a sterilized tong to pull out the uterus.

The uterus is stitched up in two layers to ensure of no leakage. It is then pushed

back in place.

The muscle structure also gets sutured back together in two layers.

The skin is then closed in a single layer of stitches.


98

With another bucket of warm water and iodine Solution, The surgical sight is once

again washed and cleaned up

To reduce the risk of infection the surgical site is sprayed with an antiseptic.

Field trip

8.2.5 Images


99

8.3 Email

8.3.1 Sample email

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am a fourth year product design student at the University of Limerick. As part of my final

year I must complete a final year project. The aim of my final year project is to redesign a

product or design a new product to overcome an existing problem. My project will consist


100

of a research report, a product finished to a high standard and a marketing board to be

showcased at an exhibition at the end for May 2013. I have chosen the area of farming and

veterinary to create a device to help farmers and vets to inject animals more efficiently and

effectively.

I am emailing you looking for some help for this early research stage of this project to give

me a clearer insight into the giving area. This will help me to design a product that would

be both beneficial to the user and the animal.

I require information to the following questions:

(Questions varied depending on the organisation I was emailing)

Your help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Michael (O’Connell)

8.3.2 Date: 31/09/12

Name: Animal health Ireland

Dear Michael,


101

Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately, AHI is not in a position to help you with your research.

Perhaps you should contact some other farming organisations or Veterinary Ireland

at www.veterinaryireland.ie/

Best of luck with your final year,

Regards,

Jackie

Jackie Dempsey

Administrator

Animal Health Ireland

Phone: (+353) 71 9671928

[email protected]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8.3.3 Date 03/10/12

Name: the animal welfare advisory council

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102

Dear Michael

Can you email me a contact phone number for you?

Kind regards

Irene Dunne

Animal Welfare Division

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Michael

As discussed with you today, these links may be of some assistance to you.

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/ is the link to the Animal Health and Welfare

section of the Departments website. Legislation can be accessed

at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/legislation/ , from which I have provided the following links to

some of the relevant Regulations governing farm animal health and

welfare.http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/legislation/statutoryinstruments2010/SI311

2010300610.pdf

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/legislation/statutoryinstruments2010/SI2892010%2

0160610.pdf

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/legislation/ria-

eradveterinarymedicines/VeterinaryPracticeAmendmentBill2011.pdf

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/legislation/statutoryinstruments2009/SI183-

2009.pdf

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103

The links below are to the Veterinary Practice Act of 2005 and the Diseases of Animals Act

1966.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2005/en/act/pub/0022/index.html

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1966/en/act/pub/0006/index.html

As also discussed, you should contact Veterinary Ireland who may be able to assist you further.

You could also try contacting some of the Veterinary Pharmaceutical companies and possibly

UCD. Seehttp://www.ucd.ie/vetmed/researchinnovation/animalscience/ .

I wish you success with your project and if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate

to contact me.

Kind regards

Irene Dunne

Animal Health and Welfare

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8.4 Talking to the farmer

8.4.1 Date: 07/09/12

Person interviewed: Basil Fitzsimons

Place visited: Basil’s Farm, Barrigone, Askeaton, Co Limerick

Basil Fitzsimons is a large dairy farmer in the west limerick area with over 150 acres of

land while milking 80 cows a day. It was arranged to meet basil over the phone at his farm

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104

on Saturday the 7th

of October. On the day of the meeting the author was shown around the

farm and all relevant questions were answered. The farmer went on to explain his most

recent experiences of dosing seven bulls. He explained the length of time taken to

complete the task and any difficulties he encountered along the way. He went on to discuss

his difficulty with recording drug administrating data for the department. He also showed

the author where he stored all his syringes and medication bottles.

8.4.2 Date: 07/09/12

Person interviewed: Mike Keane

Michael Keane is a big organic farmer in the west limerick area. On arrival to the farm the

author had a quick chat with the farmer. Here it was explained what the project entails and

what the aims of this site visit were. The farmer proceeded to show the author around the

farm answering any questions he had on the way. As mike was an organic farmer he was

unable to inject or dose the animals with certain medication so this site visit was useful to

uncover the alternatives used to treat animals. Most of the products used were cream based

medication that was rubbed onto animals. An example of this was uddermint, a cream

based formula to treat mastitis. The disadvantages of using herbal medication was, it is

limited on what it treats, expensive and the closest veterinary clinic that sold the products

was over 80km away from mikes house. Mike explained where he kept all his dosing

apparatuses and medication as he had it stored in his house over half a mile away from

where the meeting took place.


105

8.5 Guidance on safe handling of animals

8.6 Observation videos


106

9 Self-observation handling Facilities


107


108

Additional Photos:

10 Final year project proposal

Design a kit to help aid the vet to carry out operations in a field or a shed on farm

conditions. The following four factors will need to be incorporated into the design

1) Hygiene

2) Storage

3) work area

4) usability

5)


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Electronic copy of the project

final year project research report michael o’connell · final year project research report...

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