Best way to lift a downer cow?

[mawleymoos]

Just wondering what you think is the best lifting harness!! We have been using a net for probably 10 years, and wondering if there is anything better out there now!

 

[Shorthorn]

The best cow lifter by far when used correctly. Much better than any net. They look a bit savage if you've not seen how they work but ours has saved countless cows.

 

[Headless chicken]

Couldn't agree with above more. Never had a hoist at work until vet recommended this. So easy to use and it doesn't hurt the cows but gives them plenty of freedom to move

 

[mawleymoos]

View attachment 37465
The best cow lifter by far when used correctly. Much better than any net. They look a bit savage if you've not seen how they work but ours has saved countless cows.

We have one of those! Felt it was too brutal on fragile holstein downers! We found the net to be far kinder on the cow, and also supported the front of the cow as well! The problem with it is, is that it takes a bit of time to get each lifting hoop correct! And it can start rubbing, after a few days!

 

[Red Fred]

another vote for the clamp lifter, much better than struggling each day trying to move them with a cradle.

 

[rusty]

Another vote here for the hip hoist. Before I used one always thought they looked a bit cruel. So easy to use especially in tight places such as a cow getting stuck in the front of a cubicle. Useful on milk fever cows that are borderline on getting up. Quick lift with the hip hoist to get them on their feet and they are usually fine then. Can also use them on your own to lift a cow .

 

[Tonka]

http://www.easycowlift.co.uk/

 

[Bojangles]

Just wondering what you think is the best lifting harness!! We have been using a net for probably 10 years, and wondering if there is anything better out there now!

To be fair it totally depends on why the cow is down. The hip clamp has its uses but not for lifting after calving. The damage done to a downer at calving is usually in the area that a clamp goes so nets for them. Any others the hoist is fine IMO

 

[milkloss]

Hip clamp is okay if:
It's not a post calving issue.
You are one man band.
Can get it tight enough without the cow slipping out.
The cow has enough motivation to stand on its front legs or else you'll be dragging her front end everywhere.

Would recommend a net if you have the time and labour. Hint is to tie the net tight on the cow with string in crucial areas overnight otherwise she can squirm out of it. Once it is on is it essentially a one man job.

Personally I would/do have both.

 

[mawleymoos]

The most common problem we have is back damage! (Cows crawling through the extra deluxe Dutch comfort cubicles!grrr! So much for progress) so I feel the clamp wouldn't be right!

 

[jimmer]

i hate hate hate hip clamps

i use a piece of ratchet strap and can suspend a down cow from it for hours with no trauma to the animal she can take weight on all four legs and be encouraged to walk

i hate hip clamps

 

[jimmer]

 

[rc mx110]

how doesn't it just slide up the neck and tail??
i cant zoom in clear enough to read the explaination

 

[Thick Farmer]

How come that telehandler is not on it's side?

 

[Bojangles]

View attachment 37557

Why are you lifting a camel?

 

[lazy farmer]

don't have Holsteins simples. though we do have a hip lift just in case one goes down in the yard. we keep it well oiled as they go rusty if not used. Not having a go at the OP or anyone on here but am I alone in finding it arse backwards that the majority of the industry breeds bigger and bigger cows and then invents ways of keeping them healthy ?

lazy

 

[Bruce Almighty]

http://www.easycowlift.co.uk/

I like the look of that.
We have a hip clamp & it's saved no end of cows, we also have a Daisy D cow lifter, effin useless

 

[J B]

i hate hate hate hip clamps

i use a piece of ratchet strap and can suspend a down cow from it for hours with no trauma to the animal she can take weight on all four legs and be encouraged to walk

i hate hip clamps

I agree with you on that one - the devil's tool!
Surprised most think they are ok

 

[Yatesbros1]

We had a cow done the splits 10' clock last night in feed passage.Two of us lifted it with daisy D lifter into straw yard,shackles on,stood up on her own at 5' o clock this morning.Ideally needs 3 people to fit but does a gentle job,paid for itself at least 50 times over.

 

[jimmer]

how doesn't it just slide up the neck and tail??
i cant zoom in clear enough to read the explaination

the strap sits in front of the lump on her dewlap and under her pin bones and stays there due to diagonal force