Cattle Postmortem Examination Guide
A cattle postmortem examination guide for steps to follow when a cow dies, covering safe handling, notes and when to involve a veterinarian. Print it and keep it handy where the work gets done.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideBeef CattleFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Call your veterinarian before moving the animal
- Use gloves and protective clothing
- Note signs seen before death
- Photograph the animal and surroundings
- Note any recent treatments
- Leave examination to the veterinarian
- Handle and dispose per state rules
- Record what was learned
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA APHIS and Texas Animal Health Commission.
For more in this area, see the Ranch Beef Cattle. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Cattle Belching All Over the Place, and ranching farm stories.