Clever ideas and innovations that have been incorporated into day-to-day feedlot operations have been entered into the ALFA Award for Innovation 2021, proudly supported by Integrated Animal Production (IAP).
The winner and runner-up will be determined by popular vote and announced at the feedlot industry’s premier technical conference, SmartBeef 2021 taking place at Dalby, Qld on October 19 – 21.
To vote for this entry, simply click the 'heart' button at the bottom right of this page. The innovation with the most votes wins, the second highest voted innovation will be named the runner-up. Voting closes 3pm, 20 October.
Cast Cattle Righter
What's the issue/challenge?
Cast cattle on a long-term feedlot is a stressful and potentially dangerous time for both animal and staff. Rolling the animal by hand is difficult, dangerous and not always possible, it requires more staff than may be available, and staff are in danger of being kicked. Using heavy machinery is time consuming, highly stressful for the animal, a high risk of accidental injury to the animal. Additional staff may also be required to guide the machine in. This system enables cattle to be righted (in most situations), quickly and calmly, with minimal stress on the animal and significantly reduced physical risk to the staff member.
How does the innovation/idea work?
4 wheel motor bike and 9m rope required. Tie a fixed loop in each end, with the loop a minimum of 50cm in length (the loop must not pull tight, and must fall off the animal's leg when righted).
Back the bike up to the animal, throw both leg loops over the body of the animal. Carefully slip over the ground side front and back legs- place rope above knee and hock if possible. Hook the approximate center point of the rope over the tow ball of the vehicle. For safety, do not tie to the bike. With the ropes running over the belly of the animal, creating a V with the tow ball of the bike. Drive the bike forward in a prompt manner, rolling the animal over. When the animal has righted itself onto its chest, remove the pressure on the rope so it can be taken off the tow ball. When the animal stands, the rope will fall off to the pen floor and can be retrieved with minimal effort.
Cost of Innovation:
$44 for high strength, braided rope from Bunnings.
Enter your innovation/idea into the ALFA Award for Innovation 2021 for your chance to win prize money, and bragging rights! Entries close 1 September 2021 and can be submitted at https://www.feedlots.com.au/innovator.
With thanks to our long-term supporter of this award, Integrated Animal Production (IAP)
WANT TO VOTE FOR THIS ENTRY?
To vote for this entry, simply click the 'heart' button at the bottom right of this page. The innovation with the most votes wins, the second highest voted innovation will be named the runner-up. Voting closes 3pm, 20 October.