Data recording with new TGM EID wand reader
With the majority of ewes in the national flock now possessing electronic tags, the potential for electronic recording is a much easier prospect. TGM Software has introduced a new EID wand reader called The Agrident AWR300. The company lists notable features including 12 hours permanent read, a large colour display, integrated database and Bluetooth capabilities.
George Megarry of TGM said the reader is a first for the company with the ability to record management information. “For the first time we can give farmers the potential to link lambs to ewes and rams, record weights and medicine treatments and look up an animal’s history with a wand reader. Using this data, informed decisions can be made to improve flock performance and efficiency.”
The wand reader can be connected by Bluetooth to electronic weighing scales, phones or printers that also have Bluetooth technology. An internal database in the wand also means information can be stored in the field and assessed at a later stage.
“While it functions like other EID wands, for example reading in lists of tags and allocating to groups, the ability of the AWR300 to provide full management recording now or in the future at no extra cost sets this wand apart,” added George.
TGM currently has a special offer of an AWR300 reader and a free printer for €799 plus VAT. For more information, contact TGM Software on 048-926 89681 or email info@tgmsoftware.com.
Combined clamp and turnover crate
Stanley Engineering Services (SES), operated by George and Jason Stanley, Errill, Co Laois, has manufactured a new combined clamp and turnover crate.
George says they designed the apparatus to allow a number of jobs to be completed with the one piece of equipment, while also keeping an aging profile of sheep farmers in mind.
“The clamp works well for anyone dosing sheep. The operator stands alongside the race and can quickly confine the sheep by closing in the mesh sides,” he said.
“The sheep-handling business is competitive and we are always looking at ways to improve our products. We tried a number of features on our farm and found a good fit with a turnover crate. Again, we wanted to work to a specification where the equipment requires little effort to work it.”
The turnover crate is operated by a winch system. The animal enters the chute, a clamp closes in around it and a winch system lifts and turns it.
George said a particularly good feature is the ability of the winch to lift animals to different heights.
“The turnover crate can be operated by someone aged nine to 90 years of age. There is no pushing or shoving and the fact the winch lifts to varying heights makes it workable for people of any age or height.
“Many older farmers particularly like it for handling large rams that are difficult to turn. The sheep lie comfortably on their side and feet can be easily accessed, making jobs like foot paring, checking udders or dagging easier.”
The clamp and turnover crate costs €800 plus VAT. More information can be found at www.stanleyengineeringservices.com.
New footrot options available
Agrihealth, providers of animal health and equipment products, is trading two new products which it says are effective for the control of footrot in sheep.
Hoof Fit Gel, which trades under the name Intra Hoof Fit Gel, is an external hygiene product targeted at the control of digital dermatitis in dairy cows and Agrihealth says the drug is also available off-label for sheep, once it is prescribed by a veterinarian.
The company says Hoof Fit Gel is effective when applied once in lambs, but are advising twice-weekly applications for optimal results.
“Hoof Gel Fit is an external hygiene gel where the active ingredients are chelated copper and zinc. Copper has a bactericidal effect and zinc improves wound-healing in the skin,” said a company spokesperson.
Agrihealth’s recommendation for animals suffering with footrot includes complete trimming of the feet, with removal of the injured horn, followed by footbathing at 3% concentration of Intra Hoof Fit Liquid in water or application of the Intra Hoof Fit Gel.
A protocol of two applications a week or over a 10-day interval is highlighted as optimal for treatment, with longer-term control programmes advising vaccinations and reform of recurring issues.
The company is also trading a new formulation in aerosol form called Repiderma Hoof Spray, which it says is also composed of chelates of copper and zinc and can be used in sheep with similar results.
A 330ml tub of Intra Hoof Fit Gel costs €18, while a 250ml aerosol of Repiderma costs €10.
See www.agrihealth.ie for further information on products.
To read the full Sheep handling focus, click here.
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