New Calf Detector

New Calf Detector LIVESTOCK Beef 8-1-23 You'll never miss another calving with the new "Night Owl" detector developed by William Zehnder, Jr., a Simmental breeder from Frankenmuth, Mich. The birth device consists of a harness connected to a cast-metal tail gate. Attached to the gate is a small remote sending unit that signals whenever the gate moves beyond 45? ù which usually only happens when a calf emerges from the birth canal. The signal is transmitted to a repeater box that must be located within 150 ft. and, from there, is carried to the house or wherever the remote alarm is located. The alarm beeps and activates a light that remains lit until reset. To prevent accidental alarms, the system has a 10 second delay switch. "Since many calvings occur at night, they often go unobserved and problems develop. This alarm eliminates unnecessary trips to the barn in the middle of the night. Saving just one or two calves will more than cover your investment," says Dr. Gerald R. Schmoling, Zehnder's staff veterinarian who helped develop the Night Owl detector. The detector's harness of light-weight nylon webbing is designed to fit any cow. The electronic components are protected so the unit won't foul up from exposure to urine and feces. Tests on Zehnder's own herd during the past year have helped convince the cattleman of the unit's worth. Of 80 cows that calved, 78 calves survived. "The national average is 75 to 80%," says Schmoling. The Night Owl alarm sells for $220 to $360. The lower priced unit is for stanchions and is wired directly to the repeater unit; the more expensive models have transmitters. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Night Owl Birthing Systems, 12430 East Curtis, Frankenmuth, Mich. 48734 (517 652-9174).

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