Commonly used during calving emergencies, assisted deliveries, and difficult presentations, the Vink Calf Puller is designed to reduce risk, improve control, and support better outcomes during one of the most critical moments in herd management.

Once ropes are attached to the calf’s legs, the lever mechanism allows the handler to apply steady traction. This design supports a more natural pull direction—helping align force with the cow’s anatomy and reducing unnecessary strain.

Basic use steps:

1. Position the rump-frame securely over the cow’s hindquarters
2. Attach ropes to the calf’s front legs (or as directed by calving protocol)
3. Engage the pulling mechanism slowly and in sync with contractions
4. Adjust pulling direction for presentation (normal or posterior)
5. Use the quick-release function if complications arise

The system is designed to allow controlled, incremental pulling and immediate release when needed, giving producers more control during unpredictable calving situations. Replacement parts sold separately.

FerAppease was developed to help cattle respond more effectively to these unavoidable management and physiological stressors. The active ingredient is a synthetic analogue of Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS), a naturally occurring compound secreted by the skin of the mammary gland that creates an appeasing effect in cattle. When FerAppease is applied topically, the mBAS analogue is assimilated through the vomeronasal organ, helping decrease threat perception and the resulting stress response.

Research has demonstrated benefits in both dairy and beef cattle. Dairy studies have shown improvements in pregnancy rates, reductions in metritis and morbidity, and improved fresh cow performance. Beef research has demonstrated improvements in weight gain and carcass value when cattle are managed through stressful production events.

FerAppease can be used throughout the production cycle to help cattle maintain performance when exposed to stressors that commonly impact profitability.

Common dairy cattle applications

• Artificial insemination (AI)
• Fresh cows and transition cows
• Calving first-lactation animals
• Dry-off
• Vaccination programs
• Hoof trimming
• Group changes and commingling
• Transportation
• Weaning and calf transitions

Common beef cattle applications

• Weaning
• Transportation
• Vaccination
• Castration
• Branding
• Dehorning
• Commingling
• Receiving cattle
• Backgrounding and feedlot entry
• Breeding season managemen

Constructed from heavy-duty nylon webbing with high tensile strength and stainless-steel hardware, Cow Cuff Links are built for repeated use in dairy and beef environments. The design eliminates reliance on temporary fastening methods, offering a more durable and consistent restraint solution.

This system is commonly used during milking, veterinary treatment, hoof trimming, reproductive work, and post-calving monitoring, where controlled animal movement improves both safety and efficiency.

The adjustable version allows producers to modify leg spacing for a customized fit across a wide range of cattle sizes, making it ideal for mixed herds or multi-purpose use. The non-adjustable version provides a fixed fit designed for consistent, fast application in routine handling situations where speed and simplicity are priorities.

Beyond routine handling, Cow Cuff Links are especially useful in slippery flooring conditions, fresh cow monitoring, or any situation where cow movement needs to be safely limited to reduce risk to both animal and handler.

These parts support continued use during calving emergencies, assisted deliveries, and difficult presentations, helping reduce downtime and ensuring the calf puller remains ready when it matters most.

Available replacement components:

• Replacement Rope. Calving ropes used to secure the calf’s legs during assisted delivery. Designed for durability and repeated use during calving events.
• Replacement Mechanism. The internal pulling mechanism that controls traction and leverage during assisted calving. This is the most commonly serviced functional component.
• Replacement Bar. Structural support bar used in the frame assembly. Maintains alignment and strength during use under load.
• Replacement Yoke. The rump-frame yoke that fits over the cow’s hips and stabilizes the puller during use, preventing slipping during calving assistance.

How to choose the right replacement part

If your calf puller is not functioning properly, identify the issue:

• Rope worn or frayed → Replace rope
• Loss of pulling tension or function → Replace mechanism
• Frame instability or bending → Replace bar
• Poor fit over cow or slipping → Replace yoke

If multiple components show wear, consider servicing the full system.

It works by securely positioning padded lifting clamps around the cow’s hip (pin) bones. The device is then connected to a controlled lifting system such as a tractor loader or overhead hoist.

Basic use steps:

1. Position the cow safely and ensure stable handling conditions
2. Place the padded clamps around the hips
3. Attach lift system and raise the cow slowly and evenly
4. Allow the cow to bear weight once upright
5. Release pressure and monitor stability closely

This controlled approach helps reduce sudden strain on muscles, nerves, and joints compared to improvised lifting methods.

When to use:

• Down cows after difficult calving
• Milk fever (hypocalcemia) or metabolic collapse
• Injury-related recumbency
• Weakness following illness or transport stress
• Fresh cow transition challenges in dairy herds

It is especially valuable in fresh cow management programs, where early intervention can improve recovery outcomes.