Best Cattle Handling Equipment for Australian Farms
Having the right cattle handling equipment available can make routine livestock management, calving, breeding and emergency situations easier to manage on Australian farms.
From calf pullers and cow lifters to manual milking equipment and cattle heat detection tools, different pieces of equipment perform very different jobs. Knowing what each tool is designed to do can help cattle producers choose equipment suited to their herd and farming operation.
This guide looks at some of the most useful specialist cattle equipment for beef producers, dairy farms, cattle breeders, hobby farmers and rural properties.
Ready to browse equipment? Explore our Cattle Handling Equipment Australia collection.
What Cattle Handling Equipment Should a Farm Have?
There isn't one standard equipment list that suits every cattle property. A small breeder with several cows has very different requirements from a large beef or dairy operation.
However, specialist equipment commonly used around cattle properties can include:
- Calf pullers and calving aids
- Cow lifting slings
- Cattle hip lifters
- Manual milking and colostrum collection equipment
- Cattle heat detection equipment
- Cattle banding equipment
- Dehorning and horn-management equipment
- Cattle grooming and scratch brushes
- Animal health and parasite-control equipment
The most useful equipment to keep on hand depends on your cattle, management system and the situations you are likely to encounter.
1. Calf Pullers & Calving Aids
A calf puller is a specialist calving aid designed to provide controlled traction during an assisted cattle birth when its use is appropriate.
Calf pullers generally combine a rigid frame or pole with a traction mechanism that allows force to be applied in a more controlled manner than pulling manually.
Our growing cattle equipment range includes specialist options such as:
These products are not interchangeable in every situation, so cattle producers should compare their design and intended application before choosing a calving aid.
For more information about choosing and using this type of equipment, read our Calf Pullers Explained – Choosing a Calving Aid for Cattle guide.
When Is a Calf Puller Used?
A calf puller may be used to assist with a difficult calving where controlled traction is considered appropriate.
However, difficult births can have many causes. Incorrect calf presentation, an oversized calf, insufficient dilation or other complications may require a different approach.
Do not simply increase pulling force when a calf is not progressing. If there is uncertainty about presentation, obstruction or the safety of the cow or calf, veterinary assistance should be sought.
2. Cow Lifting Slings
A cow lifting sling is designed to provide broad support when lifting or assisting an appropriate weak or down cow.
Rather than concentrating lifting support around one small area, a sling supports a larger section of the animal's body.
This can make a cattle lifting sling useful equipment for farms where down-cow situations may occasionally occur.
The Bainbridge Supreme Cow Lifter Sling is one example of this type of livestock support equipment and is available in different sizes for appropriate cattle applications.
3. Cattle Hip Lifters
A cattle hip lifter provides another method of assisting a suitable down cow.
Unlike a full lifting sling, a hip lifter is positioned around the hip area and used with appropriate lifting equipment to provide controlled lifting assistance.
The Vink Hip Lifter, for example, uses an adjustable spindle system and is designed specifically as cattle lifting equipment.
Hip Lifter vs Cow Lifting Sling
Although both are used around down cattle, they provide different forms of support.
- Hip lifter: provides lifting assistance around the hip area.
- Cow lifting sling: distributes support over a broader section of the animal.
The appropriate method depends on the individual animal, its condition and how the equipment is intended to be used.
A cow that cannot stand may have an underlying injury, metabolic disorder, illness or calving complication. Lifting equipment does not treat the underlying cause, so veterinary assessment may be required.
4. Manual Milking & Colostrum Collection Equipment
Portable manual milking equipment can be useful for cattle breeders, dairy operations and smaller rural properties.
A handheld livestock milker can provide an alternative to manually milking directly into an open container, particularly when only a relatively small quantity of milk or colostrum needs to be collected.
The Bainbridge Udderly EZ Milker range includes options for cows as well as other livestock.
Potential applications can include:
- Collecting milk from a suitable cow
- Colostrum collection
- Small-scale livestock milking
- Portable farm use
Correct hygiene remains important whenever equipment comes into contact with milk, teats or udders.
5. Cattle Heat Detection Equipment
Identifying when cows are in heat is an important part of many cattle breeding programs.
Cattle heat detection equipment can help producers monitor breeding animals and identify activity associated with oestrus.
The Beacon Heat Seeker Cattle Heat Detector is one example of a practical livestock breeding-management tool designed for cattle.
Heat detection products should be used as part of the property's wider breeding and herd-management system rather than viewed as a substitute for good livestock observation.
6. Cattle Banding Equipment
Specialist livestock banding systems are another category of cattle-management equipment used on some beef and cattle properties.
The Bainbridge Callicrate SMART Bander is a purpose-designed banding system with a complete kit and separately available replacement loops.
Because cattle castration is an animal-husbandry procedure, operators should understand correct equipment use, animal restraint, appropriate timing, pain management and applicable animal-welfare requirements.
7. Cattle Dehorning & Horn Management Equipment
Cattle horn management is another area where purpose-designed equipment is important.
Different tools are available for different applications, including:
- Barnes cattle dehorners
- Supa Scoop dehorners
- Dominion Keystone dehorners & replacement parts
- Dominion cattle horn tippers & spare parts
We've separated these products into our specialist Cattle Dehorning Equipment Australia range to make it easier to compare the different equipment types.
For a detailed comparison of dehorners, horn tippers and replacement components, read our Cattle Dehorning Equipment Guide Australia.
Dehorning and horn-management procedures should always be undertaken according to current animal-welfare requirements and appropriate professional guidance.
8. Cattle Scratch Brushes & Grooming Equipment
Cattle handling isn't only about restraint and intervention. Providing suitable equipment that allows cattle to perform natural behaviours can also form part of livestock management.
Cattle scratch brushes give animals a dedicated place to rub, scratch and groom themselves instead of relying entirely on fences, rails, gates and posts.
Different designs include:
- Heavy-duty cattle scratch brush totems
- Spring-mounted cattle grooming brushes
- Scratch brush totems for calves and sheep
Explore the different designs in our Cattle Scratch Brushes Australia collection.
For help comparing brush styles and choosing an installation location, read Cattle Scratch Brushes – Benefits, Types & Where to Install Them.
9. Cattle Health & Parasite Management Equipment
Handling equipment works alongside routine cattle health management.
Depending on the property and herd, cattle owners may also require products for parasite control, worming and routine livestock health management.
Our Cattle & Sheep Supplies Australia range includes livestock health products and parasite-control options for Australian cattle and sheep properties.
You can also browse our wider Livestock Care Products range for related livestock-care supplies.
How to Choose Cattle Equipment
Before buying specialist cattle equipment, consider exactly what task the equipment needs to perform.
Important factors include:
- Animal size and age
- Beef or dairy operation
- Frequency of expected use
- Equipment capacity
- Operator experience
- Available handling facilities
- Animal restraint requirements
- Replacement parts and ongoing maintenance
- Manufacturer instructions
- Current animal-welfare requirements
Buying the largest or most expensive piece of equipment does not necessarily make it the best choice. The equipment needs to suit the animal and the job being performed.
Prepare Cattle Equipment Before You Need It
Some livestock equipment is purchased in response to an immediate problem, but equipment used for predictable seasonal events is often more useful when organised in advance.
Before calving or breeding periods, check that relevant equipment is available, clean and in working condition.
This can include inspecting:
- Calving aids
- Calf pullers
- Cow lifting equipment
- Milking and colostrum equipment
- Breeding-management equipment
- Animal health supplies
Maintain Cattle Handling Equipment
Farm equipment should be inspected regularly, particularly equipment used under load or directly around livestock.
Check for:
- Damaged or worn components
- Loose fasteners
- Worn ropes, straps or lifting components
- Corrosion
- Damaged handles or mechanisms
- Missing replacement parts
- Cleanliness where equipment contacts animals
Do not use damaged livestock equipment until it has been appropriately repaired or replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment should I have for cattle calving?
The equipment required depends on the herd and management system, but producers may keep appropriate calving aids, calf pullers, clean handling equipment, colostrum collection equipment and other cattle-care supplies available during calving season.
What is a calf puller?
A calf puller is a mechanical calving aid designed to provide controlled traction during an assisted birth when its use is appropriate.
What equipment can help lift a down cow?
Specialist options include cattle hip lifters and cow lifting slings. The correct approach depends on the animal's condition and the circumstances, and veterinary advice may be required.
What is a cow hip lifter used for?
A cow hip lifter is positioned around the hip area of an appropriate animal and used with suitable lifting equipment to provide controlled lifting assistance.
What is a cattle heat detector?
A cattle heat detector is a breeding-management tool designed to help identify activity associated with cows coming into heat.
Can cattle scratch brushes be considered cattle equipment?
Yes. Cattle scratch brushes are livestock grooming and enrichment equipment designed to provide animals with a dedicated surface for natural rubbing and scratching behaviour.
Where can I buy cattle handling equipment in Australia?
Pet & Rural Supply Co offers a growing online range of specialist cattle handling and livestock equipment for Australian beef producers, dairy farms, cattle breeders and rural properties.
Shop Cattle Handling Equipment Australia
Explore our Cattle Handling Equipment Australia collection for calf pullers, cow lifters, hip lifters, manual livestock milkers, heat detection equipment and other specialist cattle-management tools.
You can also browse our Cattle Dehorning Equipment Australia and Cattle Scratch Brushes Australia collections for more specialist farm equipment.