Keep implant application clean to help maximize your performance
A few simple steps ensure sanitary conditions to help avoid costly problems
Implants help steers and heifers finish stronger, but if your application technique is flawed and
doesn’t use proven sanitation procedures, the whole program will fail to accomplish your goals.
Make sure your implant administration process follows the practices below, or you might risk
losing approximately $100 per head*,1 for every incorrectly administered implant.
No. 1: Clean and disinfect the needle
“One of the most important things that we can do is sanitize the needle before the next animal is
implanted to reduce implant abscesses,” said Todd Koontz, senior marketing manager, Zoetis.
As you set up your implanting station, make sure you have a tray filled with disinfectant and a
sponge. Koontz emphasized that it is crucial that the implanting needle be cleaned on that
sponge between every implant or misdelivery, also known as “skips.” He also recommended
this website for a video that demonstrates sanitation and administration techniques and how to
set up an effective cleaning station for implanting.
Use chlorhexidine disinfectant: Never iodine or alcohol
A chlorhexidine disinfecting solution should be used for scrubbing dirty or wet ears before
implanting. The solution should be mixed fresh daily and also used for cleaning implanting tools,
such as needles and brushes. Never use the solution more than 12 hours after mixing it. And
never use iodine or alcohol, Koontz said.
The disinfectant to use is called chlorhexidine. It is readily available, inexpensive and has been
used successfully for decades as long as it’s properly and freshly prepared, Koontz said. With
the proper solution and constant attention given to cleaning the implanting needle, the next
priority is committing to simple ear cleaning techniques on each individual animal being
implanted.
Always clean dirty or wet ears
“We don’t want to implant directly into a dirty or wet ear without cleaning it first,” Koontz said.
“We’re trying to minimize the chances of developing an abscess from contamination on the
surface of the ear being carried with the needle. However, if you have a clean and dry ear, you
can implant without having to clean it.”
To clean the ear, use a brush and the chlorhexidine cleaning solution contained in a small bowl
or pan to scrub the ear clean before implanting, and remember: If you’re cleaning a lot of ears
while implanting, keep the brush clean and covered by the chlorhexidine solution while not in
use and refresh the solution often throughout the process, too.
Lastly, be sure to follow guidelines for implant placement in the middle-third of the ear along the
valley, Koontz said. You’ll experience easier implanting if you make sure you can control the
applicator comfortably.
Keep hands clean and implants clean and dry
Wearing gloves is simple and an easy way to ensure you can keep your hands clean during
processing. Just be sure to wear latex or nitrile gloves, never cotton or leather, as they get
contaminated easily and are not cleanable. You can use water or the chlorhexidine solution to
clean your gloved hands.
Finally, remember to always keep implant cartridges in their packaging or a clean, dry container
to protect them from moisture and contamination.
More tips from Zoetis about implanting techniques and applicators, along with available
implants, can be found at NoStressSynovex.com.
Source: Zoetis Animal Health