Livestock department
Feb 1, 2003 12:00 PM
Australian digger
The RockyRoo posthole digger, developed by an Australian, is now available from Amerequip Corporation to dig through any type of severe soil conditions, from rock and shale to frozen ground. RockyRoo's unique design with a patented curved tail formed of high-tensile steel enables it to withstand the maximum stress a tractor can endure. Plus, it is powered by a heavy-duty hydraulic ram. The digger provides more down pressure within a 3-pt. digger design that is smaller than that of previous models, according to the company.
Price: $3,400. Contact Amerequip Corp., Dept. FIN, 1015 Calumet Ave., Kiel, WI 53042-0036, 920/894-7063, visit www.amerequip.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin.
Efficient radiant heat
A new radiant heater from L.B. White will help increase productivity in the farrowing room by providing optimal temperatures to both the sow and piglets. The Infraconic I-3 heater is installed above the farrowing crate divider to provide a broad comfort zone. The heater's fuel-efficient design helps save energy costs, the company reports.
It is available in both propane and natural gas models and does not require electricity to operate. It is easily installed. The Infraconic I-3 with 3,000 Btu/hr. retails for $190 to $215. Also available are models with 5,200, 10,400 and 17,100 Btu/hr. for nursery and wean-to-finish operations. Call L.B. White Co. at 800/345-7200, visit www.freeproductinfo.net/fin.
National animal ID plan
Someday, a national animal identification system will be in effect in the United States. Government agencies and livestock organizations are now working together to refine a National Identification Work Plan that will set the steps for achieving this objective.
The ultimate goal of the national ID system is a 48-hour trace-back capability. This is crucial in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak in the United States. The national ID system should be able to identify all premises (livestock operations, feedyards and markets) that have direct contact with diseased animals within two days after discovery. Also recommended is a record in a central database of all movement of individual animals or units of animals. The integration of radio frequency identification technology has been suggested as the most feasible way to achieve 48-hour trace-back.
Producers may comment on the plan through March 2003. To obtain a copy of the 34-page “National Identification Work Plan,” contact the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) at 270/782-9798 or review the plan on the NIAA Web site at www.animalagriculture.org/ID.
Tru-Test electronics
Tru-Test introduces a new weighing indicator called the XR3000. The new indicator offers advanced features, such as an on-screen help system. It monitors individual animal performance, sorts animals into groups based on weight and other characteristics, provides multiple ID numbers for one animal, and records full animal treatment history. It features an on-screen view of animal performance, including a histogram that shows the spread of weights within a group. Retail price: $1,995. Circle 185.
Also available from Tru-Test is a new line of Speedrite energizers that maintain high voltage even in thick overgrowth. The company claims that the redesigned Delta energizers deliver more power than the previous models they replace. Five units are available in .5-, 1- and 2.5-joule outputs. Prices range from $98.50 to $260.
Contact Tru-Test at 800/874-8494, visit www.tru-test.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin.
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