I want to buy an immobilizer and looking online for sources. I find MEFE, RAU, and Scintex. One of them is made in South Africa and the other two are made in Australia (I think). And the MEFE is sold by Amazon.

Are there any other sources? I am surprised we don't have one made in the USA.

Do any of you cattle folks use one of these? I know we fiddled with them in Animal Repro Lab at TAMU but that is all I know about them.



Here is a picture. I am also having trouble with my computers security system keeping me from being able to actually go to the Australian or South African websites.

OMG!

Yep, that's it. Other videos for Rau and MEFE are very similar. The branding ones are impressive as the animal just stays still during the process.

I am also looking for any positive or negative information on the use of these devices. Obviously they have been used in AI for a really long time.

There is one negative article from a guy at Colorado State about how these devices should "never be used" but has zero backup information on the subject. At this point I think he is FOS until I see more information.

OnlyForNow said:

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Never even heard of these before.

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Same. When I worked for a vet, we used similar devices for fertility testing bulls, but I've never seen something used as an immobilizer.

Here is a picture of the next up model.... You can see the red part on the dial for "stimulation".

They use these for branding, castration, hoof trimming, and many other treatment procedures. I am not sure why they are not used more by American ranchers. I feel like there must be more to the story. But it sure seems like the South Africans and the Australians are making good use of them.

This isn't the same thing as an electro-ejacualtor for AI is it?

OnlyForNow said:

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This isn't the same thing as an electro-ejacualtor for AI is it?

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Second picture.... yes.... see red area where it says "stimulation".

The first picture.... the model is 50 bucks cheaper, it is strictly for "immobilization.

I think the one Dr. Ramsey used in our ANSC class was wired up to some kinda base.

That was one of the best class days, when he had the dude who laughed about it hold the sheep as he preformed that procedure on it.

Is this in-line with the saying of putting your finger up the ol' b-hole of a biting dog to make it let go?

Have you bought one yet?

will.mcg said:

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Have you bought one yet?

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No. I think I am going to buy the lower priced one (in the OP) because I don't need the extra part for AI. I am somewhat concerned why more people dont use these.

Is it:
1. Large beef cattle operations are set up to work just fine without one of these gadgets, especially where speed is a concern.
2. This leaves small operations like me who can survive without spending another $200+, and don't necessarily need to "immobilize".
3. Some people actually think they are inhumane because the animal still feels the pain but is unable to respond.


So there you go. I started looking at these because I am going back to branding. We stopped branding a long time ago. Currently I just eartag and have begun ear tatoos to match the eartag. While I was looking at branding on Youtube was when I came across these Australians and South Africans using an immobilizer. I think if fits them a little better because many of them operate with way less working facilities than most of us have here.

Anyway, I still think I am going to get one..... somebody took a couple of my branding irons.... I have to make a 1 and a 7, and also our original ranch brand was worn out long ago so I have to make that one too. Also, I am deciding wether I am going to make an oven and use a pear burner, or just make a fire, or possibly other options.

Also, obviously I do not believe it is any more or less humane to use one of these. We could argue all day I guess wether or not branding is humane!

It seems like a very handy tool if all you have is a squeeze shoot with or with no head gate at a minimum(meaning if you don't have a hydraulic chute). For $200 I would get one. They have a 2 or 5 year warranty.

will.mcg said:

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Know how I know you ain't no cowboy?

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I'm almost 66. My son has a good job at Union Pacific. So, no real cowboy help these days. But I did grow up working for my dad roping, taking them down, and going home red, white, and blue from the blood, fly powder, and medicine (a blue powder we put on all cuts, such as castration).

I thought that was great fun. I always looked forward to it. It was especially fun when we worked at my grandpas larger ranch just because there were more cousins..... a work party!

So yeah, dont call me a cowboy, haha, but I do have cows!

He was talking to the guy who wants to wear gloves, not you Allen...