7
Every Rancher knows their own herd best. Handle
the cattle as they are used to being handled -
whether herding them from horseback or ATV.
IMPORTANT:
Never approach the cattle head on.
Approach them at an angle so as not to
present a direct “challenge” and always
ensure the cattle have a clear escape route.
Cattle that feel trapped are more likely to
become stressed and react negatively.
Always ensure you are in a safe position
where you can quickly and easily avoid any
cattle that panic or become aggressive.
Always provide positive reinforcement such
as a lick, blocks, cubes, hay, molasses or
any other feed. This helps distract the cattle
and will help offset any negative association
from the VetGun sound or VetCap impact.
Use the following simple 3 step process to get
the best results. Only advance to the next step
once the cattle have become fully accustomed
to the previous step.
STEP 1 - DISTANT DRY-FIRE: Lay down the cake or
feed. Allow the cattle to move in and begin feeding.
Then start off by dry-firing the VetGun (gas only, no
VetCaps) at a distance of about 100 yards (91m).
Gradually work your way toward the cattle while
they are distracted by the lick or feed.
PREPARING THE HERD
If the cattle show signs of nervousness, stop
and wait for them to relax before resuming. If
the herd continues to be nervous, stop and
return for short periods on subsequent days
until the herd becomes totally desensitized to
the sound.
STEP 2 - FEED DRY-FIRE: Once the cattle show
little reaction to the VetGun sound at a distance
of 20 to 30 feet (6-9m), then on subsequent days
start dry-firing the VetGun while you lay down
the feed. For best results, build an association
between the sound of the VetGun firing and the
positive experience of introducing food.
If time is taken at the start to positively condition
the cattle, they will often begin to approach you
at the sound of the first VetGun shots, actively
seeking out the food reward in response to the
auditory stimulus.
STEP 3 - BEGIN DOSING: Once the cattle are
accustomed to the sound of the VetGun
and begin to associate it with the positive
experience of being fed, begin dosing them with
VetCaps. Using positive reinforcement ensures
that over time the cattle become conditioned
to the dosing process. Positively conditioned
cattle become progressively easier to dose.
The whole principle is similar to training a bird
dog to associate the sound of a shotgun with a
positive experience.
Double check that you have prepared the area
and notified everyone involved as recommended
before dosing the individual cattle.
1. Release the Safety Catch and dry fire a few
shots at 20 second intervals to acclimatize the
herd. Re-engage the Safety Catch.
2. When ready for use, tilt the VetGun
forward and open the Magazine Tube.
Load the Magazine Tube with VetCaps.
3. Tilt the VetGun as needed to ensure that
a VetCap has rolled into the chamber and
release the Safety Catch.
4. At a distance of 15-30ft, take aim at the upper
flank of the target animal from an upwind
position. Pull the Trigger and fire the VetCap.
5. Re-engage the safety catch and follow the
same procedure for dosing each animal.
In the event of a VetCap burst inside the
VetGun, follow the cleaning procedures
described in this manual.
6. Always hold VetGun level. Tilting barrel towards
ground causes excessive gas pressure.
See
TROUBLESHOOTING
Point 1 on Page 10.
Implement a farm procedural protocol through
which any first and subsequent dosages are either
all administered to the right flank or all administered
to the left flank of the animal. This helps to identify
the animals already dosed. Apply VetCaps to the
upper two thirds of the flank of the animal, anywhere
between the shoulders and 6 inches ahead of the
tail. Always apply from an upwind position to avoid
possible exposure.
USING THE VETGUN
