April 26, 2005
Electronic Drench Applicator Reduces Risk Of RSI
A Taumaranui-based vet clinic is using the latest in drenching technology to eliminate the risk of repetitive strain
injury (RSI) to its staff.
King Country Vets large animal technician Michael Waghorn uses the latest electronic drench gun technology. He says it
definitely has its benefits.
"I have to admit I was a bit dubious about using an electronic gun at first, but I've found it to be accurate and
beneficial."
The T1 drench applicator gun, sold under the Gallagher Select Farm Systems range, is the only electronic gun of its kind
available in New Zealand.
Waghorn says the first immediate benefit he noticed from using the T1 gun was the lack of strain on his hand.
"With normal spring-loaded drench guns you have to pull the trigger quite hard to administer the dose. By the end of the
day and certainly after a week, you're definitely at risk of RSI."
Using the electronic drench gun has been likened to using an electric drill. The trigger has to only be touched rather
than pulled firmly like traditional drenching applicators.
"I trialled the T1 gun for two weeks before purchasing it and drenched about 30,000 sheep on a conveyor in that time.
Although I did have to change my technique slightly to accommodate the gun, it didn't take long to set into an easy
rhythm, which was definitely easier on my hand."
Waghorn says the T1 also administers the drench to sheep in a more consistent flow than possible with an old style
manual gun.
"The sheep weren't as aggravated by the electronic dosing and therefore didn't cough and end up discharging the drench.
The electronic gun provides a steady stream of drench where manually it can be shot with quite high pressure into the
sheep's throat as the drencher's finger pulls the trigger."
Select Farm Systems technical support manager Colin Ranby says the T1 will deliver precisely the dose volume required,
minimising drench cost while at the same time reducing user fatigue. The gun is suitable for all pour-on and oral
applications.
Manufactured by Instrument Supplies, the world leader in animal health delivery systems and the first to introduce
drenching guns to New Zealand, the T1 gun is compact, portable and robust.
The gun is powered by a new technology in pumps which is the heart of the accuracy of the dose. Touch button
calibration and priming for set up is simple and the dose can be easily changed to suit the situation.
Ranby says the large digital LCD screen can display the total volume of drench used each day, the total doses
administered and the last dose volume given.
"The T1 electronic gun is yet another solution in the Gallagher Select Farm Systems range that helps farmers operate
their business more efficiently and increase their profitability."
To find out more visit www.select.gallagher.co.nz or phone 0800 731 500 to get in touch with your nearest Select Farm
Systems representative.
ENDS