When giving injections it is critical to make sure needles stay clean and sharp. Regardless of which brand or type of hub (e.g. plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), needles should be changed anytime they bend, get dull, get dirty, or if they are accidently bumped against the squeeze chute, ice chest, or something else. Additionally, needles should never be sharpened.
If not changed sooner, then needles should be changed at least every 10 to 12 head.
On some operations producers may choose to use a new needle for each animal to reduce the risk of spreading certain diseases.
