[cameldairy]

Ok here's the situation; I have two cows that I've had now for a year, they've been perfectly healthy until a few days ago when one of them stopped eating much hay, now she won't eat at all and mostly lays around. She has a snotty nose (greenish yellow discharge). It's only about 60 degrees here and the sun is out, she has a shelter. I have an appointment to have them both butchered in two days. So what should I do? I can't give her an antibiotic, but will the meat be compromised by her illness? 

[HappyHippy]

I don't know how things stand now I'm afraid. But I remember as a child my dad having to take a bullock to the abbetior on xmas eve. It had come down suddenly with something and the vet had said it could either be treated or slaughtered. This is only my personal memory, and I can't remember exactly what was wrong with it - might have been breathing related, but I'll have to double check with my dad. As soon as I've got more info I'll let you know.
It may be worth speaking to the abbetior or your vet just to see what they think.

[doganjo]

And, of course, regulations and general thoughts may be different in USA then UK.  Best ask vet I think, as Karen says.

[cameldairy]

Well the cow died the same day as we were supposed to take her to slaughter. We took the other cow on in.

[little blue]

oh dear.  do you know what it was?

[cameldairy]

My best guess is pneumonia.

[Higgins11]

not far off from what I've read ...............after shrinkage, eviserating,deboning  and such yield should be 50% (or less) of live weight