Trailer makes calf transport safer
A novel way of transporting dairy calves safely was launched at the Southern Field Days.
Pluck’s Engineering manager Michael Lotter says Benic calf trailers are set to revolutionise the New Zealand dairy industry.
Lotter says the trailers provide a safe and secure way to transport dairy calves from the paddock to the shed.
‘‘A new calf is often unstable on its feet.
‘‘This trailer protects the umbilical area which is still raw and often exposed to disease,’’ Lotter says.
The calves are placed on a sling which slides along a rail which makes for quick and easy loading and towing.
‘‘It’s a case of first on last off for the calves,’’ Lotter says.
The trailers, which are being built by Pluck’s Engineering at Rakaia in North Canterbury, were invented by Tasmanian dairy farmers Ben and Nick Popowski.
‘‘They recognised the need to improve the welfare of calves in transportation,’’ Lotter says.
While the Papowski’s designed the trailers, Pluck’s had secured the manufacturing of them in New Zealand.’’
Lotter says the traditional way of transporting calves in a trailer could be harmful to the animals as they were often jammed in which could lead to smothering and navel injuries and windchill.
‘‘The Benic trailer is efficient, safe and hygienic.’’ .
Lotter says the trailers can be designed to fit 10 or 15 calves in a single rail system or can be adapted into a double rail system to carry twice the number of calves.
‘‘It all depends how big the farmer wants to go and whether they’re collecting the calves once or twice a day. ‘‘Big is usually better.’’
Lotter says the size of trailer is also dependant on what sort of vehicle is being used to tow it.
‘‘With 10 calves you can use a quad bike, but with 15 a side-by-side is recommended and anything bigger you will need a ute.’’
Lotter says there has been good feedback from farmers who have used the Benic trailers.
He says the trailers have been operating for about three years in Australia, but are unique to New Zealand.