JFHMS Quality Assurance Practice Exam

What is the most economical option for a lame bull with a fractured hip that cannot be treated?

1. Convert it to a pet

2. Sell it for breeding

3. Immediately harvest or euthanize

4. Provide extensive rehabilitation

The correct answer is: Immediately harvest or euthanize

In situations involving an animal that cannot be treated due to a serious injury, such as a fractured hip in a lame bull, the most economical option is to immediately harvest or euthanize the animal. This choice minimizes ongoing costs associated with care, feed, and potential complications from the injury. Converting the bull into a pet, while seemingly compassionate, would entail significant long-term costs and care requirements, especially given its injuries and the inability to perform its primary function as livestock. Selling it for breeding would likely not be feasible, as the animal's lameness severely hampers its breeding potential and value. Providing extensive rehabilitation may be beneficial for some injuries but in this case, it would be impractical given the prognosis and would incur high costs without a guaranteed recovery or return on investment. Thus, the immediate euthanization or harvest is the most economically viable and ethically sound decision in managing the animal’s welfare appropriately.