Cows pump own drinking water

Cows can now pump their own drinking water on remote farms meaning waterways can be fully fenced off thanks to a Kiwi company’s newest product.

 Shoof International, a veterinary equipment company which specialises in farm innovations, have just launched the new Grazing Pump. It allows cattle to drink from a trough and pump water at the same time without the need for power or water reticulation systems to be installed.

Cows can pump water for themselves and their calves thanks to this innovative device.

The Grazing Pump would prevent controversial situations where cattle stray into lakes and waterways, as occurred earlier this week when cattle belonging to Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias and her husband, Hugh Fletcher, were photographed wading in a North Canterbury lake, says Shoof International’s group sales manager, John Stubbs.

“When cattle drink from the portable trough, they push a lever arm with their nose which draws more water from the source supply.

“Water can be drawn 70 meters across or seven meters upwards from any water source such as streams, ponds, bores, dams, wetlands or troughs.

“Animals learn very quickly how to operate the pump, as there is always a small amount of water lying in the bottom of the bowl which they try to drink, activating the pump in the process.

“There’s even a model that allows a calf to drink at the same time as its mother pumps the water. It’s the perfect solution for remote farming areas.”

 The pumps supplies enough water for up to 50 dry stock, giving farmers the ability to fence off waterways completely, knowing their stock will always have enough water to drink.

“The stock will remain hydrated and healthy, and New Zealand’s environment will be protected as there’s no longer any need for cows to walk in, and pollute, our waterways.”

Shoof International has been in business since the 1970s and has invented or introduced more than a dozen systems that are now common place on New Zealand farms.

Their developments include the first group-feeding of calves, first dry washing of udders, the first dairy effluent ponds, the first teat spraying system and the first pasture budgeting system. Their most famous product is the ‘shoof’ – a shoe for the hoof of lame dairy cows.

“We have a track record of finding solutions to common problems for New Zealand farmers. Preventing waterway pollution is an issue facing farmers. When we saw this Grazing Pump in action we knew we had to bring it here – it’s exactly what’s needed on remote farm stations and is a simple, cost-effective answer,” says John.


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