October 22, 1998

Private Bag X04 Onderstepoort 0110 Republic of South Africa

Tel (012) 529 8000 Fax (012) 529 8300

Faculty of Veterinary Science

Tel: (012) 529 8219 Fax: (012) 529 8315

Email: wschult@opl.up.co.za

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL

AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

CATTLE IMMOBILIZER: EVALUATION

 On your request I have evaluated a cattle immobilizer provided to me by yourself. Unlike other immobilizers, this one uses a rectal probe.

 I found the instrument handy whilst performing sheath scrapings in adult bulls that were partly immobilized by the apparatus, making the collection much easier and safer. I can recommend this instrument for use in veterinarian practice as well as for responsible stockmen.

 It must be noted that the effect of the immobilizer has no anesthetic properties, nor does it act as a tranquilizer. I would not replace the use of local or general anesthetic for painful procedures such as dehorning of adult cattle or major surgical procedures where pain is an issue.

 The immobilizer does not replace good on farm handling facilities and good stockmanship where bovine behavior should constantly be taken into account. It should rather be seen as an aid to fluently completing a procedure, which a bovine would naturally resist, and if used correctly, it can prevent unnecessary injury to both handler and bovine.

 Each bovine will respond differently to the immobilizer – as seen in the case of the adult bulls – an important fact to take into account by he operator.

Dr. W A Schultheiss