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Euthanasia of Livestock

Soren Rodning (June, 2015)

Summary

While no livestock owner ever wants to lose an animal, sometimes euthanasia is the most humane option for sick, injured, and debilitated livestock. "Euthanasia" is a Greek term meaning "good death," and occurs when death is induced without causing pain or distress to the animal. The way to avoid pain and distress is to use techniques that cause immediate loss of consciousness followed by cardiac and respiratory arrest. Your local veterinarian is capable of euthanizing animals but might not always be immediately available. Every livestock operation should, therefore, have euthanasia protocols and personnel trained to implement those protocols.