WEIGHING CATTLE - scales or a weigh band?

LISA · Post by **LISA** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:11 am

Over the weekend I came across a weigh band(like a giant tape measure, which is pulled tight around the animals "girth"and then calculates its weight in KG)As we were weighing some Longhorn steers(for sale) on the scales today I thought it would be interesting to compare the accuracy of the weigh band.Our scales are Digital and calibrated,so assuming I was using the weigh Band correctly the results should be fairly accurate.
We weighed 4 Longhorn steers,the Band weight was between 4 and 12 kg heavier than the scale weight.I weighed one Dexter heifer (short legged)out of curiosity and her Band weight was the greatest differance at 16kg.Ididn't get chance to do one of our non-shorts today but I will next time we have a weighing session.
Anyway the point of this posting is that they do seem to be a fairly accurate means of valuing steers for sale.The only disadvantage would be the animal needs to be in a crush or at least restrained for the weigh band to be fitted.This may not be possible for everyone.I don't know what a weigh band costs now but I would imagine about £10-£20,money well spent if you sell your steers on a weight basis and don't know if you are being paid a fair price.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:20 am

I have used weighbands for years, and have advocated at one stage that all DCS field advisors and inspectors should have one. They used to cost about £13, may be a bit more now.

When Ilsington Bramble was on AI station, he weighed 550KG on their scales, and 552kg by my band. I put it round mine before going to slaughter as a rough guide, and use it for getting dose right eg when dosing for fluke and worms.

Mine is also marked for pigs, and different ones can be got for horses. Dalton is the maker I know of, there may be others.

Duncan

SteveM · Post by **SteveM** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:13 am

Farmrite do one for £5.30 plus £1.88 postage

marcus · Post by **marcus** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:26 am

Hi Steve,
Have you got an address for Farmrite please.
many thanks,
Marcus

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:49 am

http://www.farmrite.co.uk/

Issy · Post by **Issy** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 11:59 am

We use a weighband and have always found it to be accurate but I have to take the measurement using balers twine first as we use white electric tape and for some reason our dexters don't seem to keen to let you wrap a white tape round their middles :D
So long as I use the twine I can usualy do it when they have their heads in a bucket (held up so they stay in the right position).

CarolineL · Post by **CarolineL** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:31 pm

They nay come with instructions but just in case they don't can anyone confirm where the weigh band should be used to get the most accurate measurement?
Many thanks
Caroline

marcus · Post by **marcus** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:44 pm

Tried e-mail address without success, have you got a postal address please?.
thanks,
Marcus.

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:38 pm

Farmrite Animal Health Ltd
9 Cecil Street
Portadown
Co. Armagh
Northern Ireland
BT62 3AT

Telephone:
UK residents: 028 3839 4900
Residents of other countries: +44 28 3839 4900
Fax: 028 3835 0139

Cattle Weigh Band Metric
Code 150059
Unit of Sale EA
Price £5.30 + VAT

LISA · Post by **LISA** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:34 pm

Dear CarolineL,The instructions on mine state with a diagram just behind the animals front legs. The animals "girth"as in like where a horses saddle girth would go.For good accuracy it does need to be pulled AS TIGHT AS POSSIBLE.

CarolineL · Post by **CarolineL** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:44 pm

Thanks Lisa. Think I will get one.

Marcus, I use Farmrite all the time for our shepherd at work. Good website, quick delivery, and v competitive prices.

Thanks
Caroline