Growing Beef Newsletter
July 2026, Volume 17, Issue 1
Best management practices for using remote drug delivery systems (darts)
Chris Clark, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist
Last month’s article highlighted why the use of dart guns for treatment should be a last resort, used only when necessary to ensure animal welfare when capture and restraint for a traditional injection is impossible or when sedation or tranquilization is required for animal capture. And when these scenarios arise and remote drug delivery (RDD) systems are used, great care should be taken to use them properly. This article will describe some best management practices and practical suggestions to utilize RDD systems as safely and effectively as possible.
- Complete training on the use, handling, and maintenance of firearms as well as product-specific training on the use, handling, and maintenance of specific RDD devices to be used. Many producers probably have some experience with guns but there may be knowledge gaps that could increase risk. Producers should consider how well they have been trained to handle firearms safely and when necessary, complete formal firearm training. In terms of product-specific training, operators should read all information from the manufacturer such as the operator’s manual and safety information and may want to inquire about additional training resources such as video tutorials or opportunities for in-person training from manufacturer representatives.
- Always follow gun safety practices such as keeping the safety on until ready to fire, pointing in a safe direction, being aware of surroundings and what is beyond the target, etc.
- Use devices exactly how they are described to be used in product manuals and use only charges and darts designed specifically for the device being used. Inappropriate charge and incompatible components create risk for a variety of safety and efficacy problems. Pay special attention to appropriate distance from target compared to recommended charge.
- Work with a veterinarian to establish a presumptive diagnosis and determine appropriate therapy. Seek veterinary guidance about how best to administer medications and whether RDD is a viable option.
- Administer all injections, including those administered by RDD, according to Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines.
- Always aim for the injection site triangle of the neck and confirm appropriate distance and angle before firing.
- Administer darts only to standing, still animals.
- Estimate weight as accurately as possible and dose fully based on that weight. Producers should strive to avoid both underdosing, which can increase risk for lack of efficacy and development of drug resistance, and overdosing, which can increase risk for adverse effects and drug residues.
- Use the lowest power delivery charge that will allow the dart to reach the animal.
- Collect spent darts to confirm drug delivery and to eliminate risk of injury from sharp foreign bodies in the environment.
- Match drug volume to dart size. Never mix drugs in a dart and never add liquid fillers to drugs.
- Use RDD only for administration of drugs intended to address immediate health and well-being. Do not use for routine injections such as vaccinations.
- Strive to find darts that come sterile from the manufacturer. Consider the use of sterile, disposable darts. For nonsterile and reusable darts, clean well and sanitize with boiling water between uses.
- Never use RDD to administer drugs that are dangerous to humans or animals. Human safety, in particular, should be top priority and drugs that may cause death or severe illness should not be administered by RDD systems. Micotil (tilmicosin), for example, should never be administered by RDD.
- Administer drugs strictly according to label route of administration. Use only drugs that are labeled for both IM and SQ administration in the neck region and never use RDD to give drugs labeled only for IV administration. This means that flunixin meglumine should never be given by RDD.
- Use no more than one dart per treatment.
- Use no more than 10 cc per dart or per injection site.
- Maintain RDD device per manufacturer instructions to ensure that it functions properly.
- To minimize deep tissue damage and to minimize the risk of needle breaks, needles should be relatively short and large in diameter. Use only ½ inch to ¾ inch needles and only 16 gauge or larger diameter. To minimize tissue trauma, strive to avoid using burred needles and to achieve truer SQ injections, consider the use of needles with side ports for drug release.
- Keep on hand a variety of charges and darts designed specifically for the RDD device to be used. This allows preparation for various drugs, dosages, and distances and minimizes the temptation to get creative with things like inappropriate charges and liquid fillers.
Although utilization of RDD devices for treatment may sometimes seem like an easier, lower-labor approach compared to conventional injections, it takes meticulous attention to detail in order to do it properly. When possible, capture and restrain animals to administer conventional injections. And when RDD is the only option, follow these guidelines to do it as safely and effectively as possible.
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