By Dr Ian Holmes BVSc. Ravenswood British White cattle Stud.
Any farmer who breeds cattle will have calving problems at some point. The majority of these calving problems are due to the calves being correctly presented but too large for the pelvis of the dam (foetopelvic disproportion), particularly seen in first-calving heifers. As long as you get in and assist them early the majority of these calves can be delivered with the assistance of a good pull.
Getting veterinary assistance on time is often not possible or practical so being able to pull your own calves may save both the dam and calf. But, pulling calves is strenuous work so having your own calf puller is a great asset.
While there are commercially available calf pullers available, they are generally quite expensive and comprise long handles and ratchet cranking devices which can create safety issues for the cow, calf and operator if the cow moves unexpectedly.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making a simple “block and tackle” calf puller from equipment that is readily available from any yacht chandler such as Binksmarine.
- about nine metres of rope. Synthetic red rope is an advantage as it does not show blood, is kind on your hands and dries out quickly.
- a cam cleat such as a Ronstan S40 AP Block, Fiddle, Becket, Cam Cleat (RF41530). The cam cleat at the side of the block enables the rope to be locked in place once you have applied tension. It is also very easy to release the rope to loosen it or pull it tighter.
- spring snap hooks. Also available at a good hardware store.
- calving chains to attach to the legs of the calves. The snap hooks are easy to hook over the rings at the ends of the chains. However, ropes are probably better and kinder on the calf and cow.
- weld a lug onto a rail in the race at the back of your crush to drop the snap hook over when the puller is in use
- an adjustable bar behind the calving cow makes life easier for the cow and the farmer. If the pins on each side of the crush are angled and open at the top, then a bar can be “cranked” up tight behind the cow in the crush. Most good modern crushes come with a device like this already installed.
Calving Chains
Lug at back of crush
This calf puller is light and easy to use and to clean afterwards. Being light there is no risk of damage by it. Although a block and tackle system does require the cow to brought in to a crush, you can make your own relatively cheaply and, used correctly, they are safe for the cattle and operator. Saving just one calf, or the cow, will pay for it.
