Dairy Spares has introduced a new tube-feeding system into the UK. The Flexi Tuber includes a head-strap that helps hold the tube in place in the animal’s mouth, and makes it easier to administer colostrum/milk/rehydration fluid. It’s suitable for use with calves, adult sheep and goats, and cattle up to 200kg liveweight.
The Flexi Tuber consists of a mouthpiece with a plastic crosspiece for easy positioning in the animal’s mouth, and on which it may chew during feeding. A soft feeding tube is passed through the mouthpiece, and the swallowing action of the animal directs the end of the tube over the airway and safely into the oesophagus. The length of the tube can be altered to ensure correct placement and positioning of the tube end. The mouthpiece can be held in place with one hand, or for a hands-free feeding operation, it can be securely attached to the animal with the head-strap.
The Flexi Tuber has been developed by New Zealand company Antahi, the same company that developed the Trusti Tuber. Both systems are designed to ensure tubing is safer, easier and more comfortable for the animal. They allow feeding to be done more quickly and with less stress for both animal and farmer.
The Flexi Tuber starter kit which includes the mouthpiece with head-strap, a flexible feeding tube, a four-litre, ergonomically designed bottle, and a teat, and retails at £60+VAT (correct at December 2018).
For more information visit: www.dairyspares.co.uk.
