Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification Practice Exam

If a bull sustains a fractured hip and cannot be treated or bred, what is the best option for the herd?

1. Keep the bull for observation

2. Retain him for future use if health improves

3. Have the bull humanely harvested or euthanized

4. Sell the bull at a reduced price

The correct answer is: Have the bull humanely harvested or euthanized

In cases where a bull sustains a fractured hip and is unable to be treated or bred, the most humane and responsible option is to have the bull humanely harvested or euthanized. This decision prioritizes animal welfare as it spares the animal from ongoing pain and suffering that could result from a serious injury like a hip fracture. Furthermore, maintaining a compromised animal in the herd is not optimal for the overall well-being of the herd; it could lead to additional health risks or complications, both for the injured animal and potentially for other animals in the herd through increased competition for resources or other stresses. Choosing to keep the bull for observation or retaining him for future use under the hope of recovery may result in prolonged suffering and is not beneficial for the herd's welfare or productivity. Selling the bull at a reduced price could also put the new owner in a difficult situation regarding the animal's health and well-being, along with potential liability issues. Therefore, opting for humane euthanasia or harvesting is the most ethical and responsible course of action in this scenario.