Cattle and Calves

In cattle and calves, blood is supplied to the brain by the major blood vessels of the neck and also by the vertebral artery. The vertebral artery lies close to and above the spinal cord, and will continue to supply blood directly to the brain, even if the major carotid arteries of the neck are cut, provided some cardiac output is maintained.

It is therefore important to stick cattle close to the heart, at the brachiocephalic trunk (see Figure 17). Sticking should be carried out by an incision made with a sharp knife in the jugular furrow at the base of the neck, the knife being directed towards the entrance to the chest to sever the major blood vessels close to the heart (Figure 18). In the interest of good hygiene, two knives should be used first to open the skin and the second to sever the blood vessels.

Figure 18 Cattle and calves

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