By Sam walton<\/p>\n
I spent the best part of a day on Richard Bradley’s unit on top of the Yorkshire Wolds, putting a new needle-free injector through its paces. The AcuShot, from Canada, was launched at Pig Fair, where it created a lot of interest.<\/p>\n
If I can operate the thing, having not injected a pig for 13 years, then I guess anyone can.<\/p>\n
The first task we were given t0 do was ta give 167 weaners from 14 sows – normal for litter sizes on this unit – their Boehringer Circof’lex vaccine.<\/p>\n
The Acughot can be used for any-thing between a day old chick and a full grown bullock.
\nThe working part of the machine can be mounted 011 a swivel stand which can be fastened to ;my suitable surface, for instance the edge of a meal barrow.<\/p>\n
Piglets are presented to the machine with the injection part to the neck whilst the side of the ham pushes against round red button. which triggers the injection.<\/p>\n
There are no marks on the skin and 110 bleeding. It is very quick. Iron injections in the ham means turning the pigs round so the shoulder presses the button.<\/p>\n
For larger animals the machine can be carried as a backpack, or on the hips. with a plastic tube extension and hand-held gun. This means dry sows in straw yards and sows in maternity crates can easily be injected without the trauma or needles.<\/p>\n
A different gas-filled cylinder is used for the various types of animal to give the amount of power required.<\/p>\n
Calibration from 0.1 cc in bands of 0.1 cc upwards to 2.5cc means if you need 10ccs. you simply pull the trigger four limes. There is a fall-safe to stop you giving more than the required amount.<\/p>\n