Using GRO Welfare Products on Livestock: Application, Storage and FAQs
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How to Apply GRO Welfare Products
Shake the product well before use. Adjust the size of the spray cone to suit your requirements. The conical spray pattern should be wide enough to cover the whole wound and the area immediately surrounding the wound. The spray cone can be adjusted by twisting the spray nozzle either clockwise (wider cone) or counterclockwise (narrower cone).
For best results apply the product immediately after completing the surgical procedure. The shorter the time between the wound being created and the product being applied the better the level of relief experienced by the animal. When using a surgical procedure that results in significant bleeding, the sooner the application of the product the greater the effectiveness of the reduced bleeding aspects of the product.
Do not touch the wound with the applicator or your hands during the application process. This is an oil-based formulation and should be expected to migrate to some degree around the treated area, hence helping with coverage, do not spray to run-off. The full range is available in our GRO Welfare collection.
Dehorning and Disbudding Wounds
Dehorn or disbud the horn as normal using either surgical technique or hot iron. Apply the correct dose by spraying the prescribed number of full trigger squeezes to each horn wound. The dose rate has been calculated to ensure that the whole area of the wound is able to be effectively covered by the product. Each full trigger squeeze will apply 1.5ml of the product to the wound, meaning that all ingredients will be applied at the required concentration to have the full effect.
Hold the applicator nozzle close enough to the wounds to ensure that the product covers the entire wound and the area around it. This will ensure that all exposed blood vessels and nerve endings are treated. Ensure that the entire wound is covered and that most of the product is in the wound.
Castration Wounds
Fully castrate the animal as usual. Immediately after the second testicle has been removed, apply the prescribed number of full squeezes of the application trigger directly to the wounds at the bottom of the scrotum. Hold the applicator nozzle close enough to the incision wounds to ensure that the product impacts the wound area with some force. This will help for some of the product to enter the scrotum. Ensure that the entire wound is covered and that most of the product is in the wounds.
Branding Wounds
Brand the animal as usual. Apply the product immediately after the branding process is completed so that the entire branded area is covered, including the area immediately around the outside of the brand. Due to the significant variations in size of branding wounds, it may be necessary to apply more than one full spray of the product to ensure the wound is covered.
Mulesing Wounds
Mules the animal as normal using the desired surgical technique. Apply the correct dose by spraying the prescribed number of full trigger squeezes to each mulesing wound. The dose rate has been calculated to ensure that the whole area of the wound is able to be effectively covered by the product. Each full trigger squeeze will apply 1.5ml of the product to the wound, meaning that all ingredients will be applied at the required concentration to have the full effect.
Ear Marking Wounds
Earmark the animal as per the normal procedure. Apply a short spray of the product over the wound ensuring to cover the entire incision and the surrounding area.
Accidental Wound Care
The nature of accidental wounds can be infinitely varied, and the product should not be used to replace the advice of a veterinarian. Severe wounds that would ordinarily be referred to a veterinarian should always be dealt with in this way.
For smaller, less serious wounds, this product may provide some relief to the wound, assist with reduced bleeding and help to protect the wound from infection. For wounds which cannot be fully covered by a 1 to 3 sprays, apply more product, however, do not apply to run off. Accidental wound treatment results may vary based on the time between the wound occurring, the treatment being applied and the severity of the wound.
Safety
Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. For external use only. Do not use for any other purpose. For animal treatment only.
For complete instructions on how to specifically use each GRO Welfare product, and to understand the prescribed does rate, read the product label.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store any unused product in a cool, dark, dry location in its original container, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate the product during storage. Wherever possible avoid removing the spray nozzle from the bottle as this may allow the introduction of contaminants which in turn could lead to wound infections after application of the product. Be very careful not to introduce any water to the container as this may cause the product to become rancid and ineffective. For best results, do not decant the product from its original container as this may lead to the introduction of contaminants. If transferring a spray nozzle from one container to another, be very careful not to contaminate the new container with any foreign material or substance.
The product is currently manufactured with a shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture. When stored correctly and without the introduction of contaminants, the product will remain effective until the expiry date is reached, even after opening.
Applicator Usage and Care
Adjust the size of the spray cone to suit your requirements. The conical spray pattern should be wide enough to cover the whole wound and the area immediately surrounding the wound. The spray cone is able to be adjusted by twisting the spray nozzle either clockwise (wider cone) or counter clockwise (narrower cone).
The product is supplied in a ready to use pack. The spray nozzle which is supplied with the pack is robust and proved to be able to apply at least the number of treatments in one or more original containers. If the product is being stored for a longer period, the spray nozzle can be removed and cleaned using warm, soapy water and then flushing with clean water. Pump the nozzle empty of water and ensure it is thoroughly dry before replacing it in the product container. The introduction of water to the formulation in this process could lead to the breakdown of the product whilst in storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
While many in our industry are accustomed to traditional chemical-based animal treatments, our innovative approach sets us apart. You can easily discern the difference. But what sets the GRO Welfare range of products apart? Are they truly transformative enough to address industry welfare issues that are not addressed by other products in the market? Simpler herd management for your cattle and sheep, to excellent results experienced by our existing users — means you'll be able to relax about withholding periods and know that your animals are relaxed as well.
This page is dedicated to addressing the questions you may have about GRO products, before you start using it. Curated from the most common inquiries from those intrigued by our products, we aim to provide you with the information necessary to confidently make the switch to the GRO Welfare Range, you'll never look back! Take a moment to explore this section — it's designed to empower you to give GRO a try with assurance.
Are you Australian-owned and do you manufacture your products in Australia?
Yes — GRO Welfare sprays are manufactured in Australia by an Australian-based company, and the range has official certification for use in organic operations. All research and development work has been conducted on Australian properties.
Farm & Acre Co is the Australian reseller of the GRO Welfare Range. We carry the full range so you can order it through us alongside your tags and other farm gear shipped straight to your door.
We understand the challenges of Australian farming and outback conditions, as well as the care that tough Australian farmers have for the welfare of their animals. Let's face it, everyone knows, an animal that has the best welfare is often the animal that is most productive. We also believe that it's very important that all sheep and cattle in Australia can be treated with an effective welfare product, not just those which can be treated with harsh chemicals. That's why GRO actively formulated products that can be used in all markets whether organic, regenerative, traditional or other.
That's why we actively formulated products that can be used in all markets whether organic, regenerative, traditional or other.
What can I expect from purchasing GRO Welfare products?
Count on us for friendly service and top-quality products. Our products provide flexibility for different situations, depending on your needs. We can cater for producers with sheep and cattle and can help you with your selection if needed. For producers who already use a pain relief product which acts systemically, we provide an economical, easy to use solution to the gaps that can be left in animal welfare when using these products.
How long will it take to get my product?
Once your order has been placed, you can expect to see a notification of shipping coming to you within 2 to 3 business days. We will let you know if our supply time is longer than expected or stated. All orders, regardless of size are shipped with Australia post with tracking. Ensuring that you provide accurate shipping information and contact details we ensure that you receive your order as soon as possible and stay well informed throughout the process.
How difficult are GRO Welfare products to apply?
Ease of application was a primary focus during the development of the GRO range. We understand that animal marking procedures can be time consuming and require multiple different operations all at one time. With this in mind, GRO products are all supplied in a ready to use container and application is one handed. This allows for quick change over between packs without having to put down other tools or instruments you are using to carry out procedures. The one-handed spray trigger eliminates the need to carry an applicator in one hand and the product container in the other.
Have GRO Welfare products been tested in the field?
Yes, GRO welfare products have been thoroughly tested in the field on commercial sheep and cattle properties in Australia. Both through the results of these trials and through the observations of producers who participate in the trials and existing users, we are confident that these products will do what we set out for them to do. Feel free to read the testimonials provided by some of our users to help you to understand the benefits that they and their livestock are experiencing using GRO Welfare products.
Are GRO Welfare products expensive?
The prices paid for GRO Welfare products are very good value by our existing users. Due to the wide variety of applications and hence different dose rate required it is difficult to put a specific cost per head on each dose. We do know however that when used according to label directions that GRO Welfare products are often more cost effective than using other available topical treatments which are in the market. If you would like more information on the cost of a specific treatment with GRO Welfare products do not hesitate to contact us.
Shop the GRO Welfare Range from Farm & Acre Co — natural, plant-based welfare sprays for cattle and sheep.
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