Performed to combat the dangers of hardware disease in cattle, farmers across the country are turning to the power of magnets to keep their livestock safe. Although various types of farm animals are susceptible to this potentially life-threatening issue, cows are among the highest-risk population as they spend the majority of their time grazing pastures. 

Whether the culprit of broken farm equipment, pieces of wire and screws, or other metallic shards that are frequently found in pastures and near barns, cows may easily ingest these non-edible items and risk perforation of their reticulum. Perforation can cause a host of problems for the animal, including infection, fever, digestive issues, and overall pain. 

How Does The Process Work? 

While treatments exist once the metal has been ingested, the best way to avoid hardware disease is to prevent it from happening altogether. Farmers and ranchers often use a tool called a stomach tube or balling gun, sold at local farm and country store retailers, to insert the magnets. As with any task that involves working with large animals, the process can prove quite challenging. 

To insert the magnets, the farmer takes the stomach tube or balling gun, opens the cows’ jaws wide enough to place the gun in their mouth, moves the tube toward the back of their throat and pushes several powerful neodymium magnets into their reticulum. Once placed, the magnets will attract any metallic objects that the cow ingests, keeping them from lodging in the stomach, intestines, or bowel. Note that cows have four chambers in their stomach, making this process safe and effective. 

*Magnets should never be ingested by humans under any circumstance.

Magnets on the Farm and Beyond!

From the farm to the latest medical technology, the implications of magnets are endless! Simplify your life with Apex, and learn how you can hang Christmas lights with ease, organize the tools in your garage, or create fun girls’ night in crafts with your closest friends. These great ideas and more can be found on our weekly blog anytime inspiration strikes! Pick up the supplies you need from our convenient online store, and enjoy free shipping on all orders placed before 3 PM EST! And remember to contact us with your magnet-related questions.