The safest and most comfortable approach to giving a calcium bolus to cows is as follows:
- Restrain the cow in an appropriate head-locking stall/calving gate/crush/handling facility
- Open the calcium bolus packs and insert the bolus(es) into an appropriately-sized bolus gun applicator.
- Hold the bolus gun applicator in one hand, keeping your other hand free for restraining the cow and opening her mouth.
- If there is a ‘head scoop’ fitted to the stall, use this device to elevate the cow’s head and neck.
- Alternatively, position your body against the stall, on the opposite side to your free hand. Engage your core muscles, back, glutes and shoulders to avoid injury during the bolusing process.
- Place your free hand in the cow’s mouth, tickling her palate to encourage her to elevate her neck and open her mouth.
- In a single, smooth, gentle movement, bring the bolus gun applicator in the side of the cow’s mouth, then centre the applicator, and push the applicator over the thick back-third of the cow’s tongue, without excessive force.
- Once the applicator has been pushed over the tongue, press the trigger to release the bolus(es) and remove the applicator from the cow’s mouth.
- Keep the cow’s head and neck elevated until a swallowing movement has been observed.
- Release the cow from the head stall.
- Clean the applicator in between use with an appropriate detergent and disinfectant.