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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Important farm tools every farmer must have

Livestock

By Dr Paul Kang’ethe | Jun 14, 2020

Some tools come in handy in a farm for the purposes of taking good care of animals, diagnosing if animals are sick and to treat animals at the farm. They are useful and practical to have within reach. Most are available in agro vets countrywide.

These tools come in useful in emergencies or when the veterinarian is not easily available.

Thermometer

It’s very useful to check animals body temperature. Normal body temperature varies a little bit during the day and according to climate. If the body temperature is significantly higher or lower there is usually an underlying problem to be solved.

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Strip Cup

A strip cup is a very useful tool and a must for all dairy farmers. Milking the first few strips into a strip cup will show if there are any lumps present indicating beginning or advanced mastitis, which should be controlled urgently. One can also use a California Mastitis Test (CMT) instead.

Hoof Trimmers

The hooves of animals grow faster than normal exercise can wear them down especially where the ground is soft. Hoof trimming becomes necessary in order for the animal to be able to walk normally. The problem of overgrown hooves is particularly important for cows kept in zero grazing that do not exercise or walk on pasture at all. Donkeys working on rough ground must be trimmed regularly to keep the hoofs in normal shape.

Hoof trimming knives are available from agro vet shops. Other tools like a hoof pincer - for clipping the dew claws, hoof shears - for cutting overgrown edge of the claw, toeing knife and a hoof rasp.

Trocar and Canula

A Trocar is used for making a hole into the rumen to treat serious cases of bloat. The trocar has an accompanying tube called a canula, which is left in the wound and anti-bloat treatment can be directly administered through the canula into the stomach. A sharp knife can be used in place of a trocar during.

Bandages

for cleaning wounds and covering them and for holding broken legs in place

Bottles

for giving medicine by mouth. If a glass bottle is used, it is useful to put a rubber tube over the end to stop it breaking

A Sterilizing Container

Sterilize reusable equipment by boiling them in water. A metallic cooking pot with a lid can be used.

Ropes

Ropes are very important to a livestock keeper. They are very useful for tying up animals, for making halters to lead animals during transport; fine clean ropes sterilized in boiling water can be used when assisting a cow with difficult birth.

Soap

For washing hands, arms and the cows rear end when assisting with difficult births.

A syringe without needle

Used for measuring liquids such as dewormers or medicines given by mouth and for flushing wounds and abscesses.

A Burdizzo castrator

It is the best and cleanest tool for castrating bulls, rams and bucksThe Burdizzo should be used on the young animal. It is a valuable instrument therefore keep it clean and oiled.

Tape Measure

For measuring animals to estimate their weight. When treating animals, it is very important to know the approximate body weight in order to give correct dosage of medicine.

Notebook and Pen

For proper record keeping. Record keeping keeps track of your agribusiness venture and helps you know if you are making a profit or a loss.