The Neogen Ideal Instruments Ratchet Style Calf Puller, Product No. 3020, is a specialized veterinary tool designed to assist in difficult calf deliveries (dystocia) by providing controlled and gradual traction. This device facilitates the extraction of a calf from a cow, aiming to do so safely and effectively when manual assistance is insufficient.
Function Description:
The primary function of the calf puller is to apply a controlled pulling force to the calf's legs, aiding in its extraction during parturition. It utilizes a ratchet mechanism to generate incremental traction, which is crucial for a slow and steady delivery, minimizing stress and potential injury to both the cow and the calf. The device allows for two main pulling techniques: an alternating (zigzag) leg pull and a single pull. The alternating pull is particularly useful for gradually advancing the calf by moving one leg at a time, which can help navigate the calf through the birth canal more smoothly. The single pull provides direct, simultaneous traction on one or both legs. The overall design emphasizes a mechanical advantage to reduce the physical effort required from the user while maintaining precise control over the pulling force.
Important Technical Specifications:
The calf puller system comprises several key components:
- Rods: These form the main structural backbone of the puller. They are shipped as a pair and must be tightly screwed together to form a continuous, rigid shaft. The manual explicitly warns against any space between the screwed-together rods, as this could lead to malfunction, bending, or breakage. While a specific length for the assembled rods isn't provided, a precaution mentions not operating the jack past ¾ of the rod's length (59" from the breechen), implying a total operational length of at least 59 inches from the breechen to the end of the rod.
- 12" Rod Extension: This component allows for an increased overall length of the rod system, providing greater reach or leverage as needed during the birthing process.
- Jack Assembly and Handle: This is the core mechanical component responsible for generating the pulling force. It features a ratchet mechanism that, when operated with the handle, moves along the rod. The jack includes hooks (labeled A, B, and C) to attach the OB chains. Hooks A and B are used for the alternating (zigzag) pull, while hooks B and C are used for the single pull. The jack's design allows it to slide onto the rod, with cam handles that can be pressed down to facilitate placement.
- 25" Breechen: This component is designed to be placed against the cow's rump, providing a stable anchor point for the entire pulling assembly. It ensures that the pulling force is directed effectively from the cow's body. The breechen has an opening into which the assembled rod and jack are placed.
- OB Chains: These chains are attached to the calf's legs and then to the hooks on the jack assembly. The manual specifies that two OB chains are required for the alternating (zigzag) leg pull, and one or two can be used for a single pull.
Usage Features:
The calf puller is designed for a methodical and controlled application of force:
- Assembly: The rods must be securely screwed together, ensuring no gaps.
- Breechen Placement: The 25" breechen is positioned against the cow's rump, just ahead of the pin bones, with the chain laying across the cow's back.
- Rod and Jack Placement: The jack assembly is slipped onto the rod (opposite the male pipe threads), and then the assembled rod with the jack is placed into the rod opening of the breechen. The jack is then ratcheted down the rod using a push/pull motion of the handle.
- OB Chain Attachment: OB chains are attached to each of the calf's legs.
- Alternating (Zigzag) Pull: One OB chain is attached to hook A and the second to hook B. Ratcheting will then move hooks A and B in an alternating pulling motion.
- Single Pull: If using two OB chains, one is attached to hook B and the second to hook C. If using only one OB chain, it is looped over hook C. Hook A is not used for single-action pull.
- Ratchet Operation: The calf is freed by slowly and carefully ratcheting the jack until the pull is complete. The manual emphasizes a slow and careful approach.
- Repositioning: If the jack reaches ¾ of the rod's length (59" from the breechen) before the pull is complete, it must be released and repositioned forward to continue.
- Safety Precautions: The manual strongly advises consulting a veterinarian if unfamiliar with fetal extractors or pulling techniques. It also warns against using the rod as a lever and highlights that failure to follow warnings can damage the equipment and injure the cow or calf.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: After each use, the calf puller must be cleaned with a mild disinfectant. This is crucial for hygiene and preventing the spread of disease in a veterinary context.
- Inspection: Although not explicitly detailed as a maintenance step, the repeated emphasis on securely screwing the rods together implies a need for regular inspection of the threads and overall integrity of the components to ensure safe and effective operation. The warning about potential damage to rods and jack if warnings are not followed also suggests that users should regularly check for wear and tear.
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