With rising fuel costs already putting pressure on dairy farms across Australia, it is crucial farmers do everything they can to recover a downed cow.
Dairy cows commonly face illnesses such as milk fever, mastitis, metritis and calving paralysis which can down a cow and make it struggle to stand up.
Dairy Australia recommends cow slings as method of lifting, stabilising and moving a downed cow, stating they can relieve limb pressure and improve recovery rates.
Australian-based agricultural tarpaulin manufacturer, Ellis and Sons Group, prides itself on manufacturing humane cow slings, with Stay-Right Cow Slings being a go-to for dairy farmers nationwide.
Made with heavy, reinforced PVC and heavy-duty nylon web straps, they can handle cows of any weight and can be easily moved by clipping to a loader or tractor.
Tarpaulin department manager, Sarah Ellis, said a V-shaped support at the front ensured the cow’s airway was left clear, lifting from brisket, and the leather cross over pad at the back left the udder free – making for a very humane cow sling.
“Traditional lifters like hip clamps can cause trauma to hip bones and muscles, which is why we developed a cow sling that provides balance and support while assisting in circulation and respiration,” she said.
“These cow slings can speed up a cow’s recovery.
“The great thing about them is once the cow is in the sling it can be left in it for as long as needed and put down again each day to help them find their feet.”
Stay-Right Cow Slings can be urgently shipped Australia-wide within 1-2 business days from the factory in Cowra, NSW.