Elements and Performance Criteria
- Conduct pre-DOT evaluations
- Relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations, codes of practice and animal welfare standards and guidelines are identified and complied with
- Alternatives to ovariectomy (spaying) are discussed with cattle manager and carefully considered prior to undertaking DOT procedure
- Pre-operative evaluation of cattle submitted for ovary dropping is confirmed with cattle manager
- Risks associated with DOT procedure are identified and discussed with cattle manager
- Prepare for DOT operations
- Weather conditions are monitored to determine optimal conditions for operation
- Time of day for operation is selected to minimise animal stress
- Adequate numbers of skilled workers are engaged
- Appropriate holding yards, forcing yards, race and settling yards are selected
- Low-stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures are followed
- Cattle are allowed to settle and cool after yarding
- Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment
- All equipment is well-maintained and in a clean and hygienic condition to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection
- Cattle crush used for procedure is maintained in good working order and operated to ensure minimal risk to the operator and animal, especially when loading and unloading
- Wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers are prepared and positioned ready for use
- Disinfectant solution is prepared in accordance with the label and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) directions
- Ovariotome is sharpened regularly and disinfected before use and between each procedure
- All equipment is cleaned and disinfected at the end of operations and stored appropriately to minimise contamination
- Conduct DOT procedures
- All procedures are conducted in accordance with animal welfare considerations and workplace health and safety standards
- A high standard of hygiene is maintained throughout the procedures in relation to facilities, hands, handling and equipment
- Cattle are handled quietly in the holding yards, forcing yards and race so that they are relatively calm when they reach the crush
- Common DOT procedural impediments are identified and remedial actions planned
- Pain management is provided in accordance with legislative requirements
- DOT procedures are performed in accordancewith industry best practice standards and processing rates
- Upon completion of procedures, identification earmarks or ear tags are applied to cattle in accordance with relevant State/Territory legislative requirements
- Ovariectomised animals are released and allowed to settle on to feed and water in the settling yards for several hours, before moving quietly to pasture
- Follow post-spay management procedures