Technical – Numnuts https://numnuts.au Numnuts Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:37:08 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 All About Numnuts’ Fluid Junction Upgrade https://numnuts.au/all-about-numnuts-fluid-junction-upgrade/ https://numnuts.au/all-about-numnuts-fluid-junction-upgrade/#respond Wed, 15 Sep 2021 05:04:03 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=12332

Numnuts Just Became More Durable and Even More Effective

Since our launch three years ago, we’ve been learning about how Numnuts performs over time. We’re always looking for ways in which we can make it stronger and more effective for both the handler and the lamb. We’re pleased to report that we have just improved the fluid junction – the clear plastic part that holds the NumOcaine bottle. 

With larger producers now switching to our product, Numnuts has been seeing action with greater numbers of lambs than ever before. We’ve needed to be sure of its durability. From now on, all new Numnuts devices have a fluid junction made from polycarbonate, which makes them more hard-wearing and longer lasting. The device will last the full season, no matter how many thousands of lambs you’re marking.

We still strongly recommend that the fluid junction is replaced annually. Just like veterinary equipment, it must be new, sterile, and hygienic at the start of each season.

If you have an older version of Numnuts (see below), we’ll happily replace this part so you can benefit from the latest improvements.

Version 1
In the original Numnuts device, the fluid junction was designed to fit a lightweight plastic bottle. To keep to the APVMA standards, we had to change to a glass bottle for the NumOcaine.

Some of our customers found that the bottle's extra weight, combined with the knocks and bangs that happen during regular use, led to the appearance of cracks and leakages in the fluid junction. More work was needed!
2019
Version 2
We next made the fluid junction stronger, to allow for the weight of the glass bottle. It also held the bottle more securely and safely.
As more farmers came on board with Numnuts, the device received heavier use from larger producers and contractors. They found that marking far higher numbers of lambs led to extra strain on the fluid junction - far more than we'd seen before.

Add in the extra stress from regular use, such as accidentally overtightening the bottle, and hairline cracks started to appear.

This led to leakage of NumOcaine, which was both wasteful and unsafe. Further development work was needed...
2020
Version 3
Now, in 2021, we have fully upgraded the fluid junction. To effectively meet the demands of larger producers and contractors, it is now made of polycarbonate. This material is far more durable and can successfully withstand high volume usage.

The new fluid junctions still fit onto the original base unit and can be identified by a small dot found on the front fin.
2021
Future Improvements
As Numnuts goes forward, we will continue to improve our product, so that best practice in lamb marking is always available on your property, no matter how many lambs you are marking.
2022
fjv1


Fluid Junction Version 1
fluid-junction-v2.82

Fluid Junction Version 2
a spares kit Numnuts fluid junction in its packet with two replacement O rings

Fluid Junction Version 3

Feedback, Refine and Improve - The Design Journey

With an innovative new product, feedback from customers helps it to improve. 

This video gives an insight into the Fluid Junction component and how we’ve listened to farmers feedback and refined it over 3 seasons.

As an insight, the hardened steel mould tool to make this one component costs tens of thousands of dollars! When we change a component, the research time and costs involved in production engineering and mould tool refinements soon scale up… all for a wee annual replaceable part that costs Numnuts users just $20 😉

We want to keep you up and running!

If you’re having an issue with your Numnuts equipment please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help and will give advice on repairing the part until we can get a replacement to you.

Phone us on: 1300 64 64 13 

Email us at: info@numnuts.store

When emailing us, please supply photos or videos of the problem, to help us get to the bottom of the issue quickly.

We also have troubleshooting and ‘how to’ resources on our website: www.numnuts.store/support

Future Improvements

As Numnuts goes forward, we will continue to improve our product, so that best practice in lamb marking is always available on your property, no matter how many lambs you are marking.

]]> https://numnuts.au/all-about-numnuts-fluid-junction-upgrade/feed/ 0 Are You a Numnuts Newbie? These Tips Will Help You Get Going https://numnuts.au/are-you-a-numnuts-newbie-these-tips-will-help-you-get-going/ https://numnuts.au/are-you-a-numnuts-newbie-these-tips-will-help-you-get-going/#respond Tue, 14 Sep 2021 06:16:45 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=13244

Video: how to quickly get into the swing of using Numnuts

As with any new device, you may find that when you start using Numnuts in lamb marking, it takes a little practice before it becomes perfect. In our new video, we’ve gathered some tips from experienced users to help you get the hang of it quicker.

Let’s get started with an issue we often hear about.

Do you see NumOcaine on the fleece after injecting?

There are three possible reasons for this:

1: The needle isn’t the right length
If the needle is too long, the NumOcaine can be deposited into the wrong spot. If it’s too short, the NumOcaine can be left on the skin. You can adjust the needle length by adjusting the screw under the 2-stage injector with a 2.5mm Allen key. See video at 0:13.

2. The needle is hitting the tail bone
When this happens, the NumOcaine can be pushed back out around the needle’s tip. To prevent this, adjust the angle you’re holding the device at and try again. You’ll find that it feels easier and you won’t see droplets on the fleece. See video at 0:25, or view more info here. 

3.The needle is going into a wrinkle
This can easily happen around the testicles, where the needle enters a wrinkle without the tip being  under the skin. 
Using a ‘scoop’ method to increase skin tension will even out the wrinkles. See video at 01:16 or view more info here. 

Wrinkly Skin
Wrinkly skin is difficult to inject into

Do you sometimes feel as if you need 3 hands?

No matter how well organised we are, there’s always something that needs to be moved, fixed or corrected when we’re in the middle of a task. It always happens during lamb marking! You can prepare for this by making a holder for your Numnuts device and rings. 

See video at 01:25 for a great example of one you can buy, or see our post on how to make your own.

DIY Numnuts holder

Finally, here's some sound advice from seasoned Numnuts users

  • “Make sure the ring is fully on the prongs before opening.”
  • “Leave some NumOcaine in the fluid junction (the clear part) when changing over bottles. This will prevent wastage when priming it for the next bottle.”
  • “Persist with it. This device is different to previous tools used to administer rings but after a while you will get the hang of it.”

Read on...

If you have used Numnuts products before and have a tip that we haven’t shown here, or if any of these have been helpful for you, let us know. Comment on our video, review us on Facebook or Google or send us an email at info@numnuts.store

]]> https://numnuts.au/are-you-a-numnuts-newbie-these-tips-will-help-you-get-going/feed/ 0 New Research Findings Support Numnuts for Tail Docking https://numnuts.au/new-tail-docking-research/ https://numnuts.au/new-tail-docking-research/#respond Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:48:52 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=12814

Numnuts Significantly Lowers Pain Behaviours in Tail docked Lambs with Rubber Ring

CSIRO has just published research results showing that lambs tail docked with the Numnuts device experienced significantly less pain than ring-docked lambs.

The study, conducted in Mid Lothian, Scotland, included 30 Greyface x Texel ewe lambs. All aged from two to four weeks, they were divided up into three groups of 10. Each group was allocated a tail-docking procedure:

  • Ring only (Elastrator bands).
  • Ring with local anaesthetic (numOcaine) applied with a Numnuts device.
  • ‘Sham’, i.e. being placed in the cradle and handled, without being tail docked (this ensures that all lambs have the same degree of handling stress, so results aren’t skewed).

The lamb groups were videoed for three hours after the procedure and any abnormal behaviours relating to pain were noted. These included walking abnormally, lying down, rolling around, mis-mothering and being slow to suckle when returned to the flock. These behaviours were then totalled and analysed across the groups.

Numnuts for tail docking provides a bloodless alternative to the Gas Axe. It introduces a pre-operative anaesthetic in combination with the rubber ring and is safer for the operator. It has less burn and fire risk and removes the unpleasant noise and smell associated with a hot knife.

The Positive Findings Reported by CSIRO

In the article published in the scientific journal Animals, the CSIRO team report that:

  • In the first hour after tail docking, the ring-only lambs showed a significantly higher number of pain-related postures, particularly abnormal walking.
  • There was no difference in total counts (of pain related behaviours) between the lambs docked with Numnuts and the sham lambs, which were not docked at all.
  • The ring-only lambs displayed the highest totals for nearly every pain-related behaviour.

The full paper, part of a special issue on Pain Mitigation for Farmed Livestock, can be read here.

This comes as no surprise to the Numnuts team! The device has been heavily researched, with over 15,000 animals involved in trials in Europe and Australia. Every trial has shown dramatically reduced pain behaviours in lambs. 

Numnuts® for taildocking diagram. Numnuts delivers local anaesthetic in combination with an Elastrator rubber ring

Next, an Australia-wide Study!

Now CSIRO and the University of Melbourne are recruiting
participants for a study assessing farmers’ experience with Numnuts for tail docking across Australia.

We trust that it will produce even more scientific evidence of Numnuts’ effectiveness in pain reduction during lamb marking.

Commercial producers in NSW, TAS, VIC, SA and WA are invited to take part, using the device for tail docking in 60 of this year’s lambs. Technical support will be provided on the day, with $1000 funding to cover the costs of participation.

The study is funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

If you or a colleague are interested, please contact the CSIRO team for more details: 

Jim Lea: Jim.Lea@csiro.au, phone 0407 137 466
Alison Small: Alison.small@csiro.au

More Technical Info here
]]> https://numnuts.au/new-tail-docking-research/feed/ 0 A Well Oiled Machine https://numnuts.au/sticky-numnuts-injector-not-returning-smoothly-stiction-injector-not-sucking-up-dose-of-anaesthetic/ https://numnuts.au/sticky-numnuts-injector-not-returning-smoothly-stiction-injector-not-sucking-up-dose-of-anaesthetic/#respond Wed, 28 Jul 2021 06:07:27 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=12678

How to prevent your Injector from Sticking

If the injector or ‘plunger’ is not returning smoothly after a dose is delivered it can quickly get frustrating.

This can happen if:

  1. The O-ring on the plunger that cycles inside the fluid junction is dry and not lubricated
  2. Operating in dusty/dirty conditions. Grit has has found its way into the dual stage injector internal workings
  3. The needle is bent and dragging against the metal housing
  4.  The device has been left uncleaned in a dusty shed all year and needs a very quick bit of TLC before lamb marking begins

The stiction or ‘snatchy’ feeling normally results in the user pulling back on the orange button to withdraw the needle and draw up the next dose.

After multiple cycles, the additional force of the human pull as well as the spring can eventually cause the dual stage injector orange button to fall off, and the spring will pop out.

This seem like a dramatic failure, yet if it happens to you, there is a quick farm fix below.  

To prevent this keep your  injector in prime condition by keeping it lubricated.

  1. Keep the O-ring lubricated with olive or sunflower oil, only ever use organic based oil.
  2. Spray a dry silicon lubricant (like RP7) on the injection parts and channels (photo to the right)
Using a dry teflon/silicone is preferable over grease or oil as it is less likely to pick up dirt and dust if the device is dropped.

Has the orange button has come off?

Here is a quick farm fix...

  1.  Replace the counter sunk bolt and brass insert with a  25-35mm wood screw.  All dual stage injectors from July 2021 onwards fix the orange button in with a longer self tapping screw.
  2. If you don’t have a screw handy you can glue the brass insert back into the plunger with epoxy or superglue, and the screw and cap together with super glue.
  3. Dual stage injectors should last tens of thousands of doses if they are cleaned and lubricated. The modular nature of the Numnuts system means the injector can also be replaced with a spare by removing the two alan screws underneath with a 2.5mm hex key.

A spare dual stage injector can be purchased here: 

https://numnuts.au/product/2-stage-injector/ 

Go to Support Page
]]> https://numnuts.au/sticky-numnuts-injector-not-returning-smoothly-stiction-injector-not-sucking-up-dose-of-anaesthetic/feed/ 0 How Numnuts fits with Wool & Lamb Meat Accreditation Schemes https://numnuts.au/roi-wool-accreditation-schemes-and-numnuts/ https://numnuts.au/roi-wool-accreditation-schemes-and-numnuts/#respond Sun, 06 Jun 2021 06:52:10 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=10555

There are a number of different accreditation schemes for wool and sheep meat producers. These schemes all vary in their specific requirements, but a consistent theme throughout them all is a focus on farming best practice and high animal welfare standards. Numnuts can help achieve these goals, by giving lambs the best start in life by reducing the pain that otherwise accompanies necessary husbandry proceedures.

For an outline of how Numnuts can help you meet the requirements of a variety of accreditation schemes and industry body best practice guidelines, read on…

“Castration and tail docking clearly cause pain. Published Scientific evidence provided to us strongly indicates that where pre-operative local anaesthetic (and ideally post-operative analgesia) has been used there is not only a clear reduction in pain and suffering but also improvements mothering up. We hear from producers many other benefits including, reduced scouring (as sign of stress 2-3days after marking, better movement of mobs back to paddock, less stress on the stockmen and dogs and improved atmosphere with the humans and lambs marking with less discomfort and distress.
 
NewMerino strongly encourages it use of local anaesthetics and analgesics for the benefit of the animal to be able to demonstrate responsible animal management practices to the increasing number of retail brands requiring verification of the farms from which they source wool.  At the time of writing (Oct 2020) new merino does not mandate the use of pre-operative local anaesthetic and post-operative analgesia, yet we anticipate this position will change in the foreseeable future.”

Website: www.newmerino.com.au

Click here for further information regarding NewMerino’s standards or here for their company goals 

“Australian producers have always been aware of their responsibilities for livestock welfare. However, increasing awareness among consumers is placing significant pressure on our livestock industries to improve animal welfare. The development of welfare standards and guidelines underpins access to overseas markets and reinforces Australia’s international leadership in livestock welfare.“

Website: www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au

 

Below are exerpts from the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep [Edition 1 (version 1), Endorsed Jan 2016]:

Introduction – Principles for sheep welfare (page 9)

Good husbandry principles that also meet the basic physiological and behavioural needs of sheep include:

  • procedures to minimise the risk of pain, injury or disease

  • undertaking of any husbandry procedures required for planned flock management in a manner that reduces the impact of these procedures and minimises risks to sheep welfare

Section 6 – Tail docking and castration (pages 20-24)

Objective:

Tail docking and castration are done only when necessary, and in a manner that minimises the risk to the welfare of sheep, particularly pain and distress.

Guidelines:

G6.14  Tail docking and castration should be accompanied by pain relief {when practical and cost-effective methods become available}. Operators should seek advice on current pain minimisation strategies.

G6.23  A person should use the most appropriate tools and least painful method to castrate sheep that is applicable to the production system.

Click here to download the full document

“As a wool grower you already comply with a large number of requirements in the domains of animal welfare, quality assurance, envrionmental care etc.” 

Website: www.gschneider.com/authentico/

Excerpts from Authentico Registration Requirements:

Animal Welfare Requirements: 

2.6. Tail Docking and Castration
2.6.3. For all methods, pain relief shall be applied {when available}. 

Implementation of the 5 Freedoms for animals as established by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). 

For further requirements please click here.

From the AWI document ‘Plan, Prepare and Conduct Best welfare Practice Lamb Marking Procedures: Training Guide’ [February 2020]:

 

Guidelines (page 73-74)

G6.14 Tail docking and castration should be accompanied by pain relief when practical and cost-effective methods become available. Operators should seek advice on current pain minimisation strategies

G6.23 A person should use the most appropriate tools and least painful method to castrate sheep that is applicable to the production system.

Click here to view the full guide.

https://www.wool.com/sheep/welfare/breech-flystrike/analgesia-anaesthesia/ 

“We are one of the largest farm animal welfare standards and labeling organizations in North America. We exist to positively impact the lives of millions of farm animals being raised for food each year.”

View website

 

The Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step Animal WelfarePilot Standards for Meat Sheep v1.4 [Updated May 2020] states:

2.6 Castration (page 19)

Castration is known to cause pain and discomfort, and operations are strongly encouraged to administer, at a minimum, pre-operative local anesthetic and post-operative analgesia.

Click here to download the full document.

LPA logo

“The Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program is the on-farm assurance program that underpins market access for Australian red meat. LPA National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) provide evidence of livestock history and on-farm practices when transferring livestock through the value chain.”

Visit website

 

Below are excerpts from the Livestock Production Assurance Guidebook [Aug 2019]:

Section 1.2 The seven elements of LPA (page 5)

LPA-accredited producers must meet specific requirements for each of the seven elements of LPA. These elements [include]:

7. Animal Welfare – Producer responsibility: To ensure handling of livestock is consistent with the requirements of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for cattle, sheep or goats (as applicable).

To view the relevant sections of the Australian Animal Welfare (AAW) Standards  and Guidelines click here.

Or, click here to download the full AAW document.

The provision of pain relief with routine husbandry practices is now an expectation.

Not only do producers need to consider the use of pain relief products in their animals, but also alternative husbandry procedures and management practices.

Sheep Pain relief Fact Sheet

Below are extracts from ‘A producer’s guide to sheep husbandry practices‘ [June 2013]:

1. Mustering, yarding and handling – Lamb Marking (page 9-10)

• Use new or alternative methods, treatments or practices as they become available, especially those that eliminate or significantly reduce pain, suffering and distress.

• Use appropriate pain relief products for the procedure being undertaken, if practical, cost-effective pain relief products are registered and available for use in sheep. Consult your veterinarian for information on pain relief products for use in sheep.

11. Castrating (page 43-54)

“Use appropriate pain relief products for the procedure being undertaken if practical, cost-effective pain relief products are registered and available for use in sheep.”

“Traditionally, sheep have been castrated using lamb-marking rings or a lamb-marking knife. Of these two methods, lamb-marking rings are preferred”

12. Tail-docking (page 46-48)

“Use appropriate pain relief products for the procedure being undertaken, if practical, cost-effective pain relief products are registered and available for use in sheep.”

Click here to download the full document

“Since 1988, ORTOVOX clothing has been all about wool. The protection of people and animals is the central focus of all of ORTOVOX’s activities. That’s why, after more than two years of talks with wool farmers, suppliers and producers, ORTOVOX 2017 has initiated the OROTOVOX WOOL PROMISE (OWP) as its own wool standard.

Based upon the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), the OWP takes an even more extensive approach: The regular OWP audits focus upon animal welfare, farm and land management, and slaughter and transport. More than 60 indicators are checked regularly on the farms by a certified, independent auditor.”

 

Website: www.ortovox.com/lv-en/wool-expert/wool/owp-ortovox-wool-promise

 

Guidelines from Ortovox Wool Promise Audit Protocol [2018]:

2.4.3 Tail docking

Tail docking shall be performed when lambs are between an average of 24hrs and 8 weeks of age, using either a hot knife or rubber ring method. The recommendation is to dock the tail immediately below the third palpable joint or to cover of the vulva in ewes.

  • Pain relief shall be applied when suitable pain relief is available.  
  • Farmers shall monitor for signs of post-operative complications and take appropriate corrective actions. 

2.4.4 Castration 

Castration shall be carried out when lambs are between an average of 24hrs and 8 weeks of age, using rubber ring, emasculator or surgery (with mandatory pain relief). 

  • Pain relief shall be applied when suitable pain relief is available. 
  • Farmers shall monitor for signs of post-operative complications and take appropriate corrective actions. 
  • Lambs destined for slaughter before they are 12 weeks old, or before onset of puberty should be castrated. 
Further protocol found here.

“The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is an industry tool designed to recognize the best practices of farmers, ensuring that wool comes from farms with a progressive approach to managing their land, and from sheep that have been treated responsibly.”

Visit website

“Management tasks such as tail docking and castration are painful operations. The first question must always be whether such procedures are necessary, and the RWS standards already require that the decision to carry out injurious husbandry procedures, including tail docking and castration, must be based on a welfare risk/benefit analysis rather than as a routine.” 

According to the RWS document, Responsible Wool Standard 2.1 [RAF-101a-V2.1-2020.05.01]:

Section C – Animal Welfare Criteria

AW3. Animal Management (pages 22-24)

Desired outcome:

Animals are managed in a way that promotes good health and prevents disease. Sick or injured animals are treated. Husbandry operations are carried in a way that minimizes pain and distress.

Guidelines:

AW3.9.1 For all methods [of castration], pain relief shall be applied {when suitable pain relief is available}.

AW3.10.1 For all methods [of tail docking], pain relief shall be applied {when suitable pain relief is available}.

Click here to download the full document from the RSW website.

“Accreditation provides benchmarks for minimum sustainability standards within the wool production system in Australia and provides integrity and traceability along the pipeline to consumers.”

Visit website

According to The AWEX SustainaWOOL™ Integrity Scheme Manual [August, 2020]:

1. Animal Welfare / Animal Health (page 6-7)

“It is a requirement for accreditation that the following protocols are adhered to when performing Castration and Tail Docking. Castration must be carried out using the rubber ring method only. Tail Docking must be carried out using the rubber ring or cauterised (hot) knife methods only… If registered and readily available, the SustainaWOOL™ Integrity Scheme recommends for suppliers to use a pain relief product during these procedures, preferably a pre-procedure analgesic.”

Click here to download the full manual.

According to the SWIS Newsletter [September, 2020]:

SustainaWOOL standards state that for Green and Blue tiers pain relief is suggested for lamb marking whereas to receive Gold tier, pain relief such as Numnuts is required to be given during lamb marking and other painful procedures. 

“As you know, SustainaWOOL exists to celebrate the highest standards of sheep and farm management, wool quality, and clip preparation – in the interests of all investors in the wool pipeline. Our underpinning principles are: 

  1. We encourage close communication between wool growers and those who invest in their wool, built on foundations of trust and transparency, and shared
    commitment to grow demand for our products. 
  2. We recognise the need for the Australian industry to move away from painful practices such as mulesing, and we applaud those across the industry who have invested in this outcome. 
  3.  We recognise that the best possible welfare outcome for the animal must always remain paramount, and so where painful procedures still need to be applied to the sheep in the interests of its health and welfare, provision of pain relief is to be encouraged and is required of our suppliers”

 “Healthy sheep naturally produce the best quality fibre.”

Website: www.discoverzq.com

Established in 2006, the ZQ certification programme provides brands and consumers with an assurance that production systems meet standards for the stewardship of livestock, management of the environment and social responsibility, and that the resulting fibre and products are of the highest quality. The programme is available to all growers who supply The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM), and from a production standards perspective we believe ZQ should be the minimum standard for growing wool.

 

Textile Exchange and NZM have worked together to create a robust combined audit process and checklist that simultaneously addresses both RWS and ZQ requirements. This means that farms audited and compliant to ZQ after April 2021 will also simultaneously be audited to and be in conformity with the RWS.

 

3.5 Animal Husbandry 

Objective 

Husbandry practices are carried out in a manner that minimises pain and distress to the animal before, during and after these activities. Animal husbandry procedures are only carried out where necessary, as part of a considered Animal Health Plan.

 

Requirements

Pain Relief – NZM is working with growers to establish a pathway for the application of pain relief for tail docking and castration over a period of time. Growers will be expected to engage in this process as part of the ZQ programme. 

 

Pain Relief implementation will start as a Requirement with some Growers in July 2021.

 

]]> https://numnuts.au/roi-wool-accreditation-schemes-and-numnuts/feed/ 0 Numnuts | Tops Tips and Tricks https://numnuts.au/top-tips-and-tricks/ https://numnuts.au/top-tips-and-tricks/#respond Thu, 03 Jun 2021 04:41:16 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=11455

Get the best out of your Numnuts...

As with any new device, you may find that when you start using Numnuts in lamb marking, it takes a little practice before it becomes perfect. In our new video, we’ve gathered some tips from experienced users to help you get the hang of it quicker.

Play Video

Seeing NumOcaine on the fleece after injecting?

This can be caused by one of the following issues: 

  1. The needle is not going deep enough
  2. The injection is going into a wrinkle (more common on the testicles) 
  3. The needle is injecting directly onto the tail bone
Finding the right solution for you can prevent wastage of NumOcaine and prevent unnecessary pain for the lamb
Wrinkly Skin
Wrinkly skin is difficult to inject into

Numnuts Users Tips

The needle is not long enough

Having the needle too long can lead to NumOcaine being deposited in the wrong spot and having it too short will mean that the NumOcaine will be deposited on top of the skin. Adjusting the needle length by taking a 2.5mm Allen Key to the screw found under the 2 stage injector.  

Refer to the video  timestamp 0:13

Wrinkles

Sometimes with highly textures areas the needle will pierce through skin but the NumOcaine will be deposited outside the skin into a wrinkle rather than under the skin. Using the scoop method to increase skin tension will decrease the amount of wrinkles around the scrotum and allow for more direct skin contact.  

Refer to the video, timestamp 1:16  or follow this link for further information

Hitting the tail bone

Hitting the lamb’s tail bone can result in the NumOcaine coming back out around the tip of the needle. To prevent this adjust the angle you are holding the device at and try again. After this adjustment you will feel that it is easier to deliver the dose and will not see any droplets on the fleece. 

Refer to the video 0:25sec or follow this link for further information

Improving ease of use

What other advice do our long time users have? Especially for first-time users?

  • Persist with it. This device is different to previous tools used to administer rings but after a while you will get the hang of it. 
  • Have something to put your device down onto. Whether it is a belt (time stamp 1:25) or a holder nearby. 
  • Make sure the ring is fully on the prongs before opening. 
  • Leave some NumOcaine in the fluid junction (the clear part) when changing over bottles. This will prevent wastage when priming it for the next bottle. 

If you have used Numnuts products before and have a tip that we haven’t shown here, or if any of these have been helpful for you, let us know. Comment on our video, review us on Facebook or Google or send us an email at info@numnuts.store

Read on...

]]> https://numnuts.au/top-tips-and-tricks/feed/ 0 Troubleshooting | Miss Injections into the Testes? https://numnuts.au/mis-injection-tips/ https://numnuts.au/mis-injection-tips/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2020 07:46:07 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=10519

Wrinkly Skin & Creating Tension

A small number of producers occasionally report 'mis fires' when injecitng into the testes

Why is this happening?

When the ring is placed around the neck of the scrotum it bunches the wool, skin and internal tissues together, casusing the skin to wrinkle in the zone where the needle injects. Occasionally, the needle then injects into a skin fold rather than popping through the skin under the wool, and the NumOcaine is deposited outside the animal where it will have no effect.  

Wrinkly Skin
Wrinkly skin is difficult to inject into

How do I fix it?

  1. Create skin tension – this provides the needle with some tight, flat skin to pop through 
  2. Once the ring is in place, scoop the Numnuts applicator foward and lift slightly up
  3. Inject 

Still having issues? Try increasing the needle injection depth…

  • With a 2.5mm Alan Key loosen the two screws on the underside of the back mount (the area that holds the injector unit on)
  • Slide the injector unit forward
  • Tighten up the screws
  • Open the ‘jaws’ of your device
  • Check needle depth

Try optimising the scoop technique on a number of lambs 50-60 before increasing needle depth, as a longer needle is more likely to cause issues hitting the bone when using Numnuts with the tail. The optimum exposed needle length that works for most people is 12mm from the end of the needle slot in the centre metal pin.

The feedback we hearing is this that although rare is most often an issue with:

  1. Wrinkly Merinos
  2. Lambs that have a lot of wool around their testes
NumOcaine has a wide saftey margin, so if you do get the occasional misfire and see some numOcaine on the outside of the wool/scrotum it is ok to set up again, with more skin tension and the boys will thankyou for giving them give a second go with the anaesthetic  

Having issues injeciting into the tails?  Check out our tails docking trouble shooting help guide.

]]> https://numnuts.au/mis-injection-tips/feed/ 0 Make a Holder for your Numnuts Device https://numnuts.au/numnuts-holder/ https://numnuts.au/numnuts-holder/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2020 07:54:43 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=10439

This Numnuts holder is quick and easy to make!

It speeds up workflow at lamb marking and helps the device to function smoothly by keeping it upright when it is placed down.

Made from an old Elastrator® Ring tub, it only takes a few simple steps:

  • Cut off the screw thread with a Stanley Knife
  • Cut out a notch the width of the bar code to about half way down the tub
  • Round the corners to help ease of entry and exit, and trim off any sharp edges…

And that’s it! You now have your very own Numnuts holder.

The holder can be screwed to a wooden base to give a firm footing, or attached directly to the oil drum or table you keep next to the lamb marking cradle. A nifty solution is to Araldite the base to a magnetic bowl (like this one) so it magnetises to the oil drum or metal surface, making stable and moveable, giving you more flexibility with your marking set up.

Watch our “How To” video, or have a look at our step-by-step picture tutorial below.

Step-by-Step Picture Tutorial:

A belt holster is useful for side-by-side or shoot cradles...

This belt mounted pouch is a good option for those on the move with side-by-side cradles or using a Vet Marker type shoot, if there isn’t a fixed place to put the device down. This one, made by Kincrome, fits the device nicely, and provides a place to hold your rings and a few bottles of spare NumOcaine® when you are on the go.

You can buy the Kincrome Numnuts Belt holder from Bunnings (click here) and other hardware stores.

For more ideas, check out some of the great Numnuts holders our users have made:
]]> https://numnuts.au/numnuts-holder/feed/ 0 MLA On-Farm Trials: Update https://numnuts.au/mla-on-farm-trials-update/ https://numnuts.au/mla-on-farm-trials-update/#respond Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:11:42 +0000 https://numnuts.store/?p=7443

 

TRIAL UPDATE FROM MLA

Dear trial registrants,

Firstly, I would like to thank you for registering your interest in participating in the NUMNUTs trials and also for your patience in this process. This is an exciting initiative and the first of its kind. The intention is to involve participants from four states, to represent a wide range of future users.

While work is ongoing in designing the project to ensure the success of the research and quality of the outcomes, it is anticipated that the trial work will be conducted over the next marking season – between June and October 2020.

This means the next phase of the recruitment process is likely to take place early in the New Year. At this time you will be contacted by a member of the project team. In the meantime, if you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact either me (cpurdy@mla.com.au) or Johann Schroder (jschroder@mla.com.au).

 

 

Please note: These extended trials are being run independently by MLA. Applications will be reviewed by an MLA trial coordinator and successful applicants will be contacted directly to arrange participation.

 

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