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Cattle Needle Size Chart: Gauge, Length, Syringes and Injection Sites

The Beef Cattle Research Council's needle chart (gauge and length by weight and route), its 10 mL-per-site and needle-change guidance, and the needles and syringes we list for each row.

Short answer: the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) chart lists 20–18 gauge needles for calves under 500 lb (1 inch long for intramuscular, ½–⅝ inch for subcutaneous) and 18–16 gauge for cattle over 500 lb (1–1½ inch for intramuscular, ½–¾ inch for subcutaneous). The product label sets the route and the amount; follow it first.

This guide sets the BCRC's published injection recommendations next to the needles, syringes and injectors we list, so you can match a needle to the class of animal and the route on the label. It is not veterinary advice: ask your veterinarian which product, route and amount fit your herd.

Cattle needle size chart (gauge and length)

The BCRC's needle chart, from its article on the five W's of beef cattle injections:

  • Calves less than 500 lb, intramuscular: 20–18 gauge, 1 inch.
  • Calves less than 500 lb, subcutaneous: 20–18 gauge, ½–⅝ inch.
  • Cattle over 500 lb, intramuscular: 18–16 gauge, 1–1½ inch.
  • Cattle over 500 lb, subcutaneous: 18–16 gauge, ½–¾ inch.

The BCRC adds: "Always choose the smallest gauge needle that can still effectively deliver the type of medication needed." and "Disposable needles with an aluminum hub, rather than plastic, are preferred." (A higher gauge number is a thinner needle.)

Which needles we list fit each row

Matched by the gauge and length in each product's name:

Other needles we list, outside those four rows: Cattle Boss aluminum hub needle (100 per box) 14 X 1 1/2; Cattle Boss aluminum hub needles (25 pack) 20 X 1 1/2; Cattle Boss Bühner needle 12 inch; Cattle Boss Bühner needle 8 inch; Ideal aluminum hub needle (100 per box) 14 X 1; Ideal aluminum hub needle (100 per box) 14 X 1 1/2; Ideal aluminum hub needle (100 per box) 20 X 1 1/2; Ideal D3 detectable brass hub needle (100 per box) 14 X 1; Ideal D3 detectable brass hub needle (100 per box) 14 X 1 1/2; Ideal D3 detectable brass hub needle (100 per box) 20 X 1 1/2; Sterile Disposable Needle (100 per box) 19G 1 1/2".

Subcutaneous or intramuscular?

The BCRC's list starts with "Use the subcutaneous route whenever the product label allows." It explains: "Subcutaneous injections (Sub-Q or SQ) are placed just under the skin, as opposed to an intramuscular injection where the medication is placed directly into the muscle." and "Pharmaceutical companies are continually updating products and labels, so become familiar with the current label recommendations and use the subcutaneous route whenever possible." If the label names one route only, use that route.

How many mL in one injection site?

"Only inject 10 ml (cc) maximum into any one site, or as per label." and "Leave a hand-width of space between injections." For a product given at more than 10 mL, the label and your veterinarian say how to split it.

Where to inject cattle

"Only inject beef animals in the recommended safe zone on the neck, never in the rump or loin." The same BCRC list adds: "Never inject in the armpit of the animal (i.e. branding, spring processing)." and "Securely restrain the animal."

How often to change the needle

"Change needles when bent or dull and after every 10-15 uses." "Never straighten or reuse a bent needle." And on hygiene: "Never inject through a dirty hide, which will only drag bacteria and debris into the tissue and create a perfect environment for abscesses."

Syringes and injectors we list

Disposable syringes: Ideal catheter tip syringe 60ml 20/box; Ideal luer lock syringe 12ml; Ideal luer lock syringe 20ml; Ideal luer lock syringe 35ml; Ideal luer lock syringe 3ml; Ideal luer lock syringe 60ml; Ideal luer lock syringe 6ml; Ideal luer slip syringe 12ml; Ideal luer slip syringe 20ml; Ideal luer slip syringe 35ml; Ideal luer slip syringe 3ml; Ideal luer slip syringe 60ml; Ideal luer slip syringe 6ml; N.J. Phillips catheter tip syringe 60cc (25/box); N.J. Phillips luer lock syringe 12cc (100/box); N.J. Phillips luer lock syringe 20cc (50/box); N.J. Phillips luer lock syringe 35cc (50/box); N.J. Phillips luer lock syringe 3cc (100/box); N.J. Phillips luer lock syringe 60cc (25/box); N.J. Phillips luer lock syringe 6cc (100/box); N.J. Phillips luer slip syringe 12cc (100/box); N.J. Phillips luer slip syringe 20cc (50/box); N.J. Phillips luer slip syringe 35cc (50/box); N.J. Phillips luer slip syringe 3cc (100/box); N.J. Phillips luer slip syringe 60cc (25/box); N.J. Phillips luer slip syringe 6cc (100/box).

Reusable syringes, repeaters, injectors and their parts: Simcro VS 5.0 mL tube fed injector - 1" needle guard (kit); Simcro VS bottle mount injector - 1" needle guard (kit); Simcro VS non-needle guard assembly; Simcro VS tube fed injector - 1" needle guard (kit); Cattle Boss luer lock nylon syringe with dosing nut up to 100ml; Cattle Boss luer lock nylon syringe with dosing nut up to 10ml; Cattle Boss luer lock nylon syringe with dosing nut up to 20ml; Cattle Boss luer lock nylon syringe with dosing nut up to 30ml; Cattle Boss luer lock nylon syringe with dosing nut up to 50ml; Cattle Boss luer lock nylon syringe with dosing nut up to 5ml; IVS International TPX plastic syringe with dose nut; N.J. Phillips 6ml premium injector selectable bottle mount; N.J. Phillips black knob for repeaters; N.J. Phillips coloured knobs for repeaters (4 pack); N.J. Phillips major service kit w/ barrel for automatic metal injector; N.J. Phillips metal semi-automatic repeater 25ml; N.J. Phillips metal semi-automatic repeater 50ml; N.J. Phillips minor service kit w/o barrel for automatic metal injector; N.J. Phillips plastic semi-auto repeater w/poly barrel 25ml; N.J. Phillips plastic semi-auto repeater w/poly barrel 50ml; N.J. Phillips Plastic semi-automatic repeater with lexan barrel 25ml; N.J. Phillips Plastic semi-automatic repeater with lexan barrel 50ml; NJP barrel kit Oil base syringe 25mL; NJP barrel kit Oil base syringe 50mL; NJP barrel kit w/o-rings 25mL; NJP barrel kit w/ o-rings 50mL; Kerbl HSW Roux-Revolver Luer Lock 50ml; Prima Repeater Syringes replacement nut; Prima-Shot 25mL repeater syringe; Replacement O-Ring for nylon syringe 100ml; Replacement O-Ring for nylon syringe 10ml; Replacement O-Ring for nylon syringe 20ml; Replacement O-Ring for nylon syringe 30ml; Replacement O-Ring for nylon syringe 50ml; SIMCRO 0.5mL premium bottle mount forward selectable injector; SIMCRO 2mL Compact Tube-fed Injector; SIMCRO 2mL compact tube-fed injector w/ draw off caps; SIMCRO 2mL premium bottle mount forward selectable injector; Simcro 2ml STF b/m syringe (2b bc); Simcro 5 mL Premium Bottle Mount Injector; SIMCRO 5mL Compact Tube-fed Injector; SIMCRO 5mL premium bottle mount forward selectable injector; SIMCRO 5ml Premium Tube-fed Selectable Injector; Simcro 5ml STF b/m syringe (5b bc); Simcro Optimiser Injector 12.5 mL; Simcro Optimiser Injector 5 mL; Simcro VS injector ink stamp - (5/pk); Simcro VS injector valve assembly kit; Medi-Dart o-ring (MDOR).

Check each product page for its volume, fittings and what it is sold with.

Remote drug delivery equipment we list

The BCRC's remote drug delivery page says: "Whether you use a syringe or a remote drug delivery device (RDDD), proper injection technique is important." It adds: "Producers choosing to use RDDDs should have appropriate training, technique and drug selection in consultation with a veterinarian." and "Remote drug delivery devices should be kept in good working condition, and producers should practice using them to ensure they are as accurate as possible." Ask your veterinarian whether a product's label allows remote delivery before using a pole syringe or dart. Medi-Dart parts we list: Medi-Dart air pump (MDAP); Medi-Dart air pump hose (MDPH); Medi-Dart air pump inflating needle (MDIN); Medi-Dart connecting nut for extension (MDCN); Medi-Dart Conversion Kit (MDAKCBWW); Medi-Dart Conversion Kit for extension pole #6 needle (MDAKEWN); Medi-Dart crossbow bow (MDCBB); Medi-Dart crossbow bow end (MDCBWE); Medi-Dart crossbow dart only (MDCBAO); Medi-Dart crossbow dart rest (MDCBR); Medi-Dart crossbow hardware (MDCBBH); Medi-Dart crossbow hood (MDCBH); Medi-Dart crossbow only (MDCB); Medi-Dart crossbow plunger complete (MDPPL); Medi-Dart crossbow sight (MDCBST); Medi-Dart crossbow spacer pack (MDCBSP); Medi-Dart crossbow string (MDCBS); Medi-Dart crossbow syringe barrel (MDPB); Medi-Dart crossbow tail section (MDCBTS); Medi-Dart Double Barrel Projectile Syringe; Medi-Dart extension dart only (MDEDO); Medi-Dart extension finger clip (MDFC); Medi-Dart extension plunger complete (MDPL); Medi-Dart extension pole (MDP) 4'-8'; Medi-Dart extension syringe - no tail section (MDSAC); Medi-Dart extension syringe barrel (MDB); Medi-Dart extension tail section (MDTS); Medi-Dart needle #2 (MDN2); Medi-Dart needle #3 (MDN3); Medi-Dart needle #4 (MDN4); Medi-Dart needle #5 (MDN5); Medi-Dart needle #6 (MDN6); Medi-Dart needle/valve assembly #5 (MDAKH5); Medi-Dart needle/valve assembly #6 (MDAKH6); Medi-Dart needle/valve assembly with wingnut #5 (MDAKW5); Medi-Dart needle/valve assembly with wingnut #6 (MDAKW6); Medi-Dart new half-moon pushrod (MDHPR); Medi-Dart new plastic wingnut (MDCBWN); Medi-Dart new plastic wingnut (MDEWN); Medi-Dart o-ring (MDOR); Medi-Dart plunger cap all (MDPC); Medi-Dart pole extension kit (MDEK); Medi-Dart projectile dart only (MDARO); Medi-Dart projectile kit bow and arrow (MDPK); Medi-Dart projectile tail section (MDPTS); Medi-Dart protective end cap (MDPEC); Medi-Dart push rod (MDPR); Medi-Dart small plastic nut (MDSN); Medi-Dart Sub-Q needle #4; Medi-Dart Sub-Q needle #5 (MDSQN); Medi-Dart Sub-Q needle #6; Medi-Dart syringe-no tail section (MDPSAC); Medi-Dart valve cap (MDVC); Medi-Dart valve seat (MDVS).

Other dosing equipment we list

For oral and pour-on products (follow the label's route and rate): Prima Pour on Gun 70ml; N.J. Phillips applicator lubricant; N.J. Phillips Breaze pour-on applicator 65ml; Simcro Magnum 70 mL Pour-On Applicator; Cattle Boss feeding nozzle luer lock; Cattle Boss Plastic balling gun blue small; Cattle Boss Plastic bovine balling gun red large; N.J. Phillips major service kit w/ barrel for 12.5ml multidoser drencher; Simcro 20 mL Injector / Drencher-Metal; Simcro 30 mL Drencher.

Read and follow the product label before every use, and ask your veterinarian which products, routes and amounts fit your herd.

Sources: Beef Cattle Research Council, "Understanding the Five W's of Cattle Injections: Who, What, When, Where & Why" (October 11, 2023; its list cites the Verified Beef Production Plus Producer Manual), BeefResearch.ca, viewed October 2026; BCRC, "Injection Techniques: Key Recommendations for Beef Cattle Producers" (PDF), viewed October 2026; BCRC, "Remote Drug Delivery" (BeefResearch.ca producer page), viewed October 2026. Product names and sizes as listed.