Restraining animals: Devices - 2

 Restraining Animals: Devices - 1 can be found here.
Gags: A gag is a means for keeping the jaws apart for for probang use or examination of the mouth or teeth of horses, cattle, and buffaloes.

Several types of gags are in use, most are made of metal. The one in common use with large animals is called Varnell's movable gag. The bars of the gag or mouth piece fit into the interdental space. The tongue must always be free. The bars should be covered with rubber or leather to prevent damage to gums. Gags are also available for use with small animals such as sheep and goats. 

Bull Rings (Courtesy: shanahi.com)

Bull Rings: These are used for restraining powerful bulls. They are generally made of two semicircular pieces hinged together. They may be made of copper, aluminum, or some other alloy which does not rust.

There are large and small rings which are used according to the age and size of the animal. The ring is applied through the nasal septum about one cm back from the nostrils. A hole is first punched with a special bull puncher. When punching the hole, care should be taken not to punch it too far back. This is a common mistake. It results in too little space being available in that part of the ring lying outside the nostrils to accommodate a rope or a chain. Bulls are generally rung at the age of 10 to 14 months. Some bulls may need a new ring every year depending on the amount of wear and tear.

Muzzle (courtesy: sporthorse)

Muzzles: Three kinds of muzzles are in common use, namely leather, wire and string muzzles.

Leather Box Muzzle: This is the best type of muzzle, but it is expensive.

Wire Muzzle: This is less comfortable for the animal, but it is durable and inexpensive.

String Muzzle: This is a practical and inexpensive muzzle that can be made at home.

Muzzles are used to prevent animal
s from eating their bedding, to prevent biters from injuring people or other animals, and to prevent mares, etc. from biting their young ones. Calves are muzzled to prevent them from suckling their mothers. The muzzles should not be put on too tightly, otherwise the animal will resent its reapplication. Muzzles are taken off at feeding time.

Cradle (courtesy: valleyvet.com)

Cradles: A cradle is a device consisting of 10 or 12 pieces of wood strung on two pieces of rope. A short piece of wood bored longitudinally is fitted in between long pieces. The long pieces are bored longitudinally at either end and a rope is strung through all of the pieces. Then it is put around the neck of the animal and tied along the crest. It is helpful when the animal must be prevented from getting its head to an injured or bandaged fore or hind limb or when medicine is applied to the body. It is also helpful in restraining a milking female when she wants to suck her own mild. Cradles allow very little vertical or lateral flexion of the head if properly applied.

Cattle Crush (courtesy: cashels.net)

Crushes: A crush (trevis) is a long, narrow alleyway for restraining animals in which animal's head is held in poles and the whole animal is firmly confined. It is especially useful for controlling large animals for operations such as dehorning, docking, and shoeing. Different types of crushes are used. These usually consist of four posts driven well into the ground and cemented there with two or more cross pieces at each side and end. Those at the end and/or the front are removable.

Ropes: Ropes are essential for restraining farm animals. Cotton rope is preferable because it is strong, safe and easy to use when making knots. Rough, hard ropes like coir should not be used since it can cause abrasions to the animals. Two sets of rope should always be kept ready: 

i. one about 2.5 - 3. cm thick and about 8 m long for sue in casting or securing large animals, and

ii. Two or three pieces, 1 - 1.5 cm thick and about 2 m long for securing small animals and the feet or horns of large animals. One or two lassos and rope halters should also be kept ready for any emergencies.