Kow Ball Marker Information
The chin ball mating device is a robust adjustable halter fitted on the underside with a cone shaped marker unit with a freely rotating exposed ball bearing. The marker unit has a reservoir of special marking fluid and works on similar principles to the common ball pen. The marker fluid is a special formula oil-based additive, available in magenta, blue, yellow and green. It is extremely important to use only the recommended type of fluid – it retains its adhesive properties long after exposure to air, it can be easily removed from the animals hide by washing with a detergent or water and is non-toxic.
When mating takes place, the ball bearing makes contact with the back, sides and rump of the oestrous cow. This is sufficient to rotate the exposed ball bearing and clear streak marks are evident particularly on the back of the animal. Marks last for approximately 4 to 14 days. Generally there is a lot of interplay between the cow and bull during the period in which she is in heat (average 24 hrs), and a clear pattern of marks appear. Single streaks should be ignored as they are usually the result of accidental markings during close mobbing of the stock. Streaks from actual mating usually run parallel with the backbone and result from the bull dragging its chin along the back of the cow when dismounting. After a few days of observation the distinction can easily be made from false marks and those that result when the cow is in heat. When possible, bulls wearing devices should be separate from cows when yarded, so as to reduce the numbers of accidental markings. It is also advisable to avoid, if possible, driving harness bulls and cows together for a long-distance.
One filling of the large stainless steel container should be sufficient to mark approximately 25 to 30 cows. Depending on the characteristic mating behavior of the bull. A rough calculation of the length of time between fillings, based on the size of the range herd, is that on average 5% of the herd should be on heat each day, assuming an even spread of mating. That is free herd of 100 cows at least five cows should be on heat each day if all cows were actively breeding, so that the unit would need to be filled every 7 to 8 days. In practice, there is usually a peak of breeding activity and it may be necessary to check the unit more frequently during the peak period.
Using chin ball
Vactomised bulls or (Gomer) bulls should be kept in good condition so that they can maintain an active sexual interest. If they lose condition rest periods are advisable during which time they are well fed.
As old marks fade after approximately 4 to 14 days new marks are easily noticed even when no color change has been made. It has been found that under most circumstances, one change every three weeks is advisable. Marking fluid should be removed from within the units at the end of the season by the use of any solvent remover. They should be filled with oil, halter should be cleaned. With this maintenance of equipment halters and units should last several seasons.
When mating takes place, the ball bearing makes contact with the back, sides and rump of the oestrous cow. This is sufficient to rotate the exposed ball bearing and clear streak marks are evident particularly on the back of the animal. Marks last for approximately 4 to 14 days. Generally there is a lot of interplay between the cow and bull during the period in which she is in heat (average 24 hrs), and a clear pattern of marks appear. Single streaks should be ignored as they are usually the result of accidental markings during close mobbing of the stock. Streaks from actual mating usually run parallel with the backbone and result from the bull dragging its chin along the back of the cow when dismounting. After a few days of observation the distinction can easily be made from false marks and those that result when the cow is in heat. When possible, bulls wearing devices should be separate from cows when yarded, so as to reduce the numbers of accidental markings. It is also advisable to avoid, if possible, driving harness bulls and cows together for a long-distance.
One filling of the large stainless steel container should be sufficient to mark approximately 25 to 30 cows. Depending on the characteristic mating behavior of the bull. A rough calculation of the length of time between fillings, based on the size of the range herd, is that on average 5% of the herd should be on heat each day, assuming an even spread of mating. That is free herd of 100 cows at least five cows should be on heat each day if all cows were actively breeding, so that the unit would need to be filled every 7 to 8 days. In practice, there is usually a peak of breeding activity and it may be necessary to check the unit more frequently during the peak period.
Using chin ball
Vactomised bulls or (Gomer) bulls should be kept in good condition so that they can maintain an active sexual interest. If they lose condition rest periods are advisable during which time they are well fed.
- Order one chin ball for each bull.
- Order the appropriate colored marking fluid: magenta, green, yellow.
- Fill the reservoir with marking fluid. Check the ball for easy rotation.
- Strap on the device, making sure the bulls jaw movements are not restricted. Tie in the neck strap first and then adjust the no strap, allowing the tank to fit snugly under the chin.
As old marks fade after approximately 4 to 14 days new marks are easily noticed even when no color change has been made. It has been found that under most circumstances, one change every three weeks is advisable. Marking fluid should be removed from within the units at the end of the season by the use of any solvent remover. They should be filled with oil, halter should be cleaned. With this maintenance of equipment halters and units should last several seasons.