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Livestock owners often need to know the weight of their animals in order to determine proper feed rations, to adminster the proper dosage of a medication, or to track how individual animals grow and use their feed. Approved and properly calibrated livestock scales are the most accurate and consistent method for determining body weight. However, there are several methods that can be used to determine an animal’s weight when access to scales is not possible: visual observation or guessing, weigh tapes, and weight estimation formulas.

Visual observation is usually very inaccurate and not recommended for use when determining rations, medication dosages, or when an accurate weight is important.

Weigh tapes are specially marked tapes used to measure the heart girth and convert that measurement to a fairly accurate estimate of the animal’s body weight. Weigh tapes are easy to use and can be utilized effectively for monitoring purposes when used in a consistent manner by the same person. They can be purchased for cattle, sheep, goats, hogs and horses through various livestock supply companies.

With weight estimation formulas, a common tape measure is used to determine the heart girth and body length measurement. These measurements are then used to calculate the animal’s weight. The weight estimation formulas described below are usually more accurate than a weigh tape and almost always more accurate than visual observation in determining an animal’s weight.

Beef Cattle

1. Measure the length of body, from the point-of-shoulder (A) to the point-of-rump or pin bone (B).

2. Measure the circumference or heart girth (C). Measure from a point slightly behind the shoulder blade, down the fore-ribs and under the body behind the elbow all the way around. After these measurements are made in inches – use the following formula.

3. (Heart girth X heart girth X body length) ÷ 300 = weight in pounds.

BUY HERE! Solar Powered Energizers

Solar panels convert light directly into electricity. The battery stores this electricity and operates the battery powered Energizer. This allows the Energizer to operate at night or during periods of low sunlight.

Battery energizers, including solar, are best placed in the centre of the fence line and protected from animals.

Keep them off the ground to protect the electronic components from insects and moisture.

INTRODUCTION TO GALLAGHER ELECTRIC FENCE PRODUCTS

The earlier generations of Gallaghers were farmers. And it was a typical farmer’s approach to solving farm problems that helped us lead the world into the electric fencing age. From the 1930’s we developed, on our own family farm, animal control systems to make farm work easier. Today we are known in over 100 countries.

Gallagher Power FenceTM Systems are recognised for decreasing costs and increasing profits for farmers throughout the world. Our economical and practical fencing provides increased efficiency in controlled grazing through subdivision. Increased stocking rates and fodder conservation are the prime contributors to better farm profits and farmers have reaped the benefits of upgrading non electric fences, fencing out wild animals and protecting both stock and pasture.

An Electric fence manual is designed to help you achieve the best possible results from your Gallagher Power FenceTM System. It will help you design your fence system and give suggestions for the fence materials, hardware, accessories, tools and testers you will need. For maximum power with minimum maintenance it is important to follow the principles of fence construction and energizer earthing closely. If you’re not prepared to do it properly, be prepared to accept less than optimum performance.

Thank you for choosing Gallagher - I’m sure you’ll be satisfied with your decision for years to come.

W.M. Gallagher KNZM, MBE. Hon D

Chairman and Chief Executive Gallagher Group Ltd