Electronic Animal Immobilizer

Electronic Animal Immobilizer LIVESTOCK Beef 26-3-13 Twenty years after it was first shown in the U.S., you still have to see the RAU "Immobilizer" to believe it. We featured the device in 1981 (Vol. 5, No.5). Invented in South Africa, the electronic device never caught on. Now a new distributor is taking another crack at it. Essentially, the Immobilizer temporarily paralyzes any size animal, using an electronic pulse that prevents muscle movement. James Keane-Murphy of I & G Distributors, says the device makes it much safer and easier to hold animals motionless for branding, castrating, de-horning, hoof trimming, and other jobs. The battery-powered device simply clips to the skin of the animal. As long as the pulse is applied, the animal can't move any muscles and remains frozen in place. That means no head-jerking while de-horning and no kicking while castrating or trimming hooves. The results can be fewer injuries, fewer bent needles, and more accurate injections so less damage to muscle tissue. Field trials have shown no negative effects from the immobilizer, even on pregnant animals at any stage of pregnancy. The immobilizer, priced at $795, is primarily designed for use on cattle but has also proven effective on larger exotic animals like buffalo and elk. A mini probe is available for use on sheep, hogs or goats. It's available on the Internet and at livestock and wildlife management supply dealers. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, James Keane-Murphy, I&G Distributors USA, 4965 Hidden Branches Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30338 (ph 770 350-0342; fax 770 350-0342; E-mail:james@annimalimmobilizer.com; Website: www.igd-usa.com).

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