Bruise Buffers Prevent Injuries To Livestock

Bruise buffers prevent injuries to livestock LIVESTOCK Buildings 11-2-32 To help prevent bruising injuries to livestock as they're moved through handling pens and yards, Charles Beresford, of Queensland, Australia, places smooth, curved sheets of galvanized steel around corners, and in any other areas where animals could be bruised or injured. The curved "bruise buffers" (3 ft. high and 6 ft. long) are "maintenance-free and totally effective," according to Beresford, who has patented the device which is available commercially in Australia for $200. Another "bruise buffer" idea, developed by Russell Osborne, also of Queensland, involves replacing the last 2 ft. of gates with a hanging strip of rubber. "I wouldn't expect the rubber flap to keep livestock contained indefinitely. It's intended for use in yards where animals are held for short periods before being moved on," he points out. He plans to add a small hinged "wing" to the gate to give it extra security when cattle are held in the yard for long periods.

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