Ask the Vet

Dr. Ken McMillan, Contributing Columnist

READER QUESTION:

For the last few years, we have planted ryegrass and used that to carry our steers to 7- and 8-weight before selling them in the spring. Our area has been in an extreme drought, and we have given up on ryegrass this year. We want to sell the steers, but we vaccinated and dewormed them. The label says, "Cattle must not be treated within 48 days of slaughter for human consumption." We are not selling them for slaughter, so does the withdrawal time still apply to these steers?

DR. MCMILLAN'S ANSWER:

Kudos to you for reading the label and asking. I believe the answer centers on how the cattle are marketed. If you take them to the stockyard, in most cases, there would be no mechanism to shift your responsibility to the new buyer or buyers. In this case, I believe you would be in violation of the law and could be held liable if residues were detected in these cattle. If they were sold through a board sale or by private treaty, a paper trail is created, and in my opinion, the responsibility would shift to the new owner or owners.

But, this is my opinion. If anyone knows for certain, please contact me.

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Editor's Note: Please contact your veterinarian with questions about the health of your herd or other animals. Every operation is unique, and the information in this column does not pertain to all situations. This is not intended as medical advice but is purely for informational purposes. Email Dr. Ken McMillan at vet@dtn.com.

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