NAHMS 306 NAHMS Dairy 2014 Heifer Calf Fecal Collection Record

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services

NAHMS Dairy 2014 Heifer Calf Fecal Collection Record

National Animal Health Monitoring System 2150 Centre Dr #B Ft Collins, CO 80526 Form Approved OM B Number 0579-0205 Approval expires:XX/XXXX

Calf Fecal (CF) Kit: #

Calf fecal samples are to be collected from operations participating in the longitudinal calf component (blood, colostrum, and ear notch testing and completion of diary cards).

1. Collect individual fecal samples from up to 2 heifer calves 2-4 weeks of age that are enrolled in the calf study. A total of 12 calves will be sampled over the year-long study.

• These samples will be tested for Cryptosporidium, giardia, microsporidia and blastocystis.

• Review the materials in the Biologics Manual for detailed collection information.

• E ach sample should be about golf-ball size and placed in an individual flat bottom container provided.

• Place a Calf ID sticker on the side of the container (not the lid).

2. Collect two composite fecal samples from a pen of weaned calves (2-6 months of age). For each composite fecal sample, collect manure samples from 2 different weaned calf AREAS (see figure at right). If there is only a single weaned calf area, collect a single composite sample. Collect about 2 ounces (~ 2 tablespoons) of manure/slurry from each of six SITES within an AREA and place in the sample container.

• These samples will be tested for Shiga Toxin E Coli (STEC) and Salmonella.

• 

  For weaned calf samples, an area consists of 6 sites and samples from 2 areas on each operation will be collected.

  Place the label on the body of the container (not the lid).

• Complete the Collection Form. See example in Biologics Handbook.

• Keep samples cool, pack with fresh ice packs before shipping and ship to ARS
  (Fayer Lab) via Fed Ex within 24 hours of collection.

• Send the Collection Form to your NAHMS Coordinator.

Dairy 2014 - Heifer Calf Fecal Collection Record CF Kit: #

Farm ID	# of people involved ____ Fed VMO ____ Fed AHT ____Producer ____ State VMO ____ St AHT ____ Priv Vet ____ Others-specify:	Key Collector’s name and phone #	Time to collect & prep samples	Overall travel time
8-digits: St, Op,	Enter number for each category		Hours	Hours

Preweaned study calves (2-4 weeks of age):

Sample #	NAHMS Calf ID	Ear Tag/ Farm Calf ID	Collection Date (MM/DD/YY)
1	Place sticker here!
2	Place sticker here!

Weaned calves (2-6 months of age):

Sample #	Sample location	Age of calves in pen	Collection Date (MM/DD/YY)
1
2