The Vet Group has introduced the imported Riley Tipper Crush and local farmers are unanimously impressed by its ability to make the job easier. There are only a handful of the crushes in Australia and this is the only one based in south-west Victoria.
The Vet Group is using the tipper to simplify its hoof trimming service and expand its heifer teat sealing program.
Bill Morgan, The Vet Group, says the hydraulic tipper is safe and comfortable for animals and vets.
"It is like a normal crush but when the animal walks in its head is secured and the hydraulic hoist tips it on its side. The legs are secured and it gives us good access at hip height to its feet."
Morgan says the equipment, made in the US, is a new design which improved occupational, health and safety on farms and made it easier to address lameness, one of the region's biggest animal health problems.
"Many farms don't have suitable livestock handling facilities so this has a lot of value for everyone. The tipper crush holds them firmly but comfortably. As soon as the cow is secured in the tipper it lies quietly.
"Lameness is one of the big animal health issues in our region and there is a big demand for services, so to make it easier and safer is a great bonus."
While hoof trimming is the main use of the tipper, it is also being used for teat sealing procedures. Morgan says teat sealing is growing in popularity and working well in the prevention of mastitis.
"It effectively puts a plug in the teat and stops the entry of bacteria at the point of calving. It is an important initiative for milk quality and from an animal welfare perspective."
Trials show the benefits of putting a teat seal into heifers, he says. "We infuse the teat seal about 30 days before calving.
"The use of a teat seal on heifers is quite revolutionary in the impact it has on mastitis at calving."
Morgan says farmers are impressed by the new tipper machine.
"They are impressed with it and can see the benefits."
