newtek pacifier for bulls

Re: newtek pacifier for bulls

James Laidlaw — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:48:02 GMT

I went to the dark side ages ago, but when I did largies in NZ we never sedated for electroejaculation when fertility testing that I recall. I think when the need for immobilisation occurs if vet welfare is at risk (more than normal - why do you think I left for tiny animals!) then sedation with any of the wide variety of licensed available drugs is preferable to an unknown electrical stun type device or immobiliser. Can't to any good for the animals' anxiety or stress and memory of the situation... Tail jack by hand and a secure foot rope and crush/handling facilities usually did the job. Very few animals other than massive unhandled beef bulls in the back blocks of nowhere ever needed sedation in my clients.

Re: newtek pacifier for bulls

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:34:02 GMT

[quote user="Jill Nute"] I seem to remember that rectal probes for electro-ejaculation should only be used on anaesthetised/sedated animals. [/quote]

Use of an Ejectroejaculator is an act of veterinary surgery, but to the best of my knowledge there is no legal requirement to anaesthetise/sedate. We don't when testing bulls/tups and nor did Edinburgh University when doing the fertility testing workshops.

[quote user="Hannah Wynne Richards"]Micheal Haven't you heard of Rompun? -or has the disgraceful drop in farm gate prices made it unaffordable?[/quote]

Nah - generic xylazine is as cheap as it ever has been, less than £1/ml cost price.

I do try to avoid the use of alpha 2's for caesers as it is contraindicated in last trimester of pregnancy and despite giving clenbuterol it is much harder to exteriorise the uterus, and do a good clean job. Then it passes through into the calf giving you a sleepy calf. Not exactly ideal.

A pair of 'bulldogs' in the nose quietens a lot down, seem to work like twitching a horse. I'm not saying I fancy shoving one up every cow I examine's backside, just that there may be a place for them. Bit like a crush cage or cat bag!

(one star is not me, but I do agree)

Lets not dismiss these out of hand, we can have a grown up discussion.

Re: newtek pacifier for bulls

Hannah Wynne Richards — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:50:24 GMT

Micheal Haven't you heard of Rompun? -or has the disgraceful drop in farm gate prices made it unaffordable? If the latter it's yet another reason I'm so glad I'm out of farm practice

Wynne

Re: newtek pacifier for bulls

Jill Nute — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:31:01 GMT

The last time I checked with Defra about electro-immobilisation, which is what these types of devices do, I was informed these were considered illegal. My concerns were over the use of these by lay foot trimmers in cattle. I seem to remember that rectal probes for electro-ejaculation should only be used on anaesthetised/sedated animals.

Re: newtek pacifier for bulls

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:36:08 GMT

Interesting. I never even knew these things existed.

I can see applications - wild beef animals kicking the hell out of the vet whilst trying to trim foot/inject local for caeser etc etc.

Like to know what people think (especially in those situations where vet welfare trumps animal welfare).