Darting

Darting can be useful when an animal has escaped, is not restrainable through usual handling systems, or needs treatment out in the field.

Darting can be used to sedate animals and apply treatments like antibiotics or other medication (please note only 10ml can be held by a dart).

Darting can be used for a wide variety of animals. It should be the last resort to restrain a cow, due to the risks of fractured bones and inadvertent injections into joints or vital organs. At least two hours is required and the vet needs to get within 20 metres of the animal.

It can be extremely difficult to sedate a cow to the point that it is unable to get up. A mobile handling system (or cow catcher) is very important. If the animal goes down, hoisting equipment may be required. It is always beneficial to organise a lot of help when darting.