Drench & pour-on applicator guns: Essential tools for livestock health

Drench and pour-on applicator guns are fundamental tools for livestock producers across Australia, especially those managing cattle and sheep. These devices allow for the precise administration of oral drenches and topical pour-on treatments, ensuring effective parasite control and overall herd health.

To achieve optimal results for animal health, it’s important to ensure proper use and maintenance of these guns. Keep reading as we explore their functions, tips for correct usage and maintenance, and the advantages they offer as part of a livestock management strategy.

What are drench applicator guns?

Drench applicator guns are handheld devices designed to deliver liquid medications to livestock, either orally or externally. They’re typically used to administer anthelmintics (drugs used to treat infections caused by parasites). By using a drench applicator gun, you can ensure a controlled and accurate dosage, which reduces the risk of under- or over-administering your chosen medication.

What are pour-on applicator guns?

Pour-on applicator guns are generally used to administer external, topical parasite treatments to cattle. These are absorbed through the skin and are highly effective in controlling external parasites. Pour-on products are often preferred by producers for their ease of application and effectiveness in large-scale operations – and pour-on applicator guns help facilitate this.

What are drenches and pour-on treatments used for?

There are a number of reasons why a producer may opt to use a drench or pour-on treatment as part of their livestock management. Here are some of the most common uses:

External parasite control: Pour-on products target external parasites like ticks, lice, and flies. They can reduce irritation, disease transmission, and production losses in cattle.
Worm control: Internal parasites like roundworms, barber’s pole worms, and liver fluke can lead to weight loss, reduced wool and meat production, and even mortality in severe cases. Drenching is a critical part of worm management in Australian livestock.
Mineral and nutrient supplementation: Some drenches contain essential minerals like selenium, cobalt, and copper. These can address deficiencies that may impact animal growth, development, and fertility.
Vitamin administration: Essential vitamins including vitamins A, D, and E can be delivered via oral drenching. This is particularly important in regions where pastures may lack sufficient nutritional content.

The benefits of using drench and pour-on applicator guns

There are a number of ways drenches and pour-on treatments can be administered, including bottle, syringe, and stomach tube, depending on the type of product. However, in most cases, applicator guns offer the most convenient, simple, and effective administration method, rendering them invaluable tools for livestock producers.

Here are a few key benefits of applicator guns to consider:

Efficiency: Applicator guns permit quick, accurate treatment administration, reducing labour costs and stress on animals and handlers.
Improved animal health: Properly administered drenches and pour-on treatments lead to better parasite control, improved weight gain, and increased productivity amongst cattle and sheep.
Cost-effectiveness: Accurate dosing prevents wastage of animal health products, which can be expensive.
Resistance management: Targeted applicator guns reduce the risk of developing resistance amongst your herd as a result of under- or overdosing.
Ease of use: Modern drench and pour-on guns are designed for comfort and ease of handling, which makes them suitable for extended use.

How to use drench and pour-on applicator guns

If used incorrectly, drench and pour-on applicator guns can render products ineffective and compromise the safety of both the animal and the handler. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure correct usage of your chosen drench or pour-on applicator gun.

Using an oral drench applicator gun

Select the right drench: Start by selecting a pour-on or drench that’s suitable for your livestock’s species, age, and weight. Always read the manufacturer’s guidelines, and if you’re unsure, reach out to our team for advice.
Adjust the dosage: Many drench applicator guns have adjustable settings that allow you to easily measure the correct dose. Set the gun to the appropriate dosage based on the animal’s weight – this can be found in the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Restrain the animal: Proper restraint is essential for safe and effective administration. Sheep can be restrained using a race or handler, while cattle should be secured in a crush.
Position the gun correctly: When using an oral drench, insert the gun’s nozzle into the side of the animal’s mouth, aiming for the back of the tongue. Avoid inserting it too far to prevent choking or damage to the throat.
Administer the drench: Squeeze the trigger firmly to release the drench, and ensure the animal swallows it rather than spitting it out.
Monitor the animal: Observe the animal after drenching to ensure it has swallowed the medication and is not displaying any signs of distress.

Using a pour-on applicator gun

Choose the right pour-on product: Select a product that will effectively treat the specific external parasites affecting your cattle. If you’re unsure of which product is best, contact us for free advice.
Select the right applicator gun: Some pour-on products can be harsh and cause corrosion, deteriorating the hose and internal fittings of certain applicator guns. So, it’s critical to also pick the right equipment for a stress-free experience.
Calibrate the applicator: Set the pour-on gun to dispense the correct dosage based on the animal’s weight. This information can be found or calculated using the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Apply to the correct area: Pour-on treatments should be applied along the backline of the animal. Evenly distribute your chosen product from the withers to the tail head.
Avoid contamination: Do not mix different treatments in the same applicator. Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines for application intervals.
Monitor for effectiveness: Observe the animal over time to ensure the product is working and there are no adverse reactions.

Cleaning drench and pour-on applicator guns

You should thoroughly clean your drench or pour-on applicator gun after every use to prevent contamination, corrosion, and deterioration of the gun and its hose and fittings. This will also ensure ongoing accuracy when administering various products.

The key benefits of regular cleaning include:

Preventing cross-contamination: Residue from previous treatments can mix with new medications, leading to reduced efficacy or adverse product reactions.
Maintaining accuracy: A clogged or partially blocked gun can deliver incorrect doses, leading to treatment failure or toxicity. These outcomes are extremely dangerous for animals.
Extending equipment lifespan: Regular cleaning prevents corrosion and wear, which helps the gun to remain functional for longer – improving cost per use and your bottom line.
Ensuring biosecurity: Proper cleaning measures reduce the risk of spreading diseases or contaminants between animals.

How to clean drench and pour-on applicator guns

Now that you’re across the benefits of keeping your drench and pour-on applicator guns spic and span, here’s how to effectively clean them:

Flush with clean water: After use, run clean, warm water through the applicator to remove any remaining product residue.
Use a detergent: Detergents can break down oily and stick residues left in the gun. Once you’ve run this through the gun, rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap remains.
Inspect for damage: Check the nozzle, tubing, and seals for any wear or blockages that could affect future performance.
Store properly: Allow the gun to dry completely and lubricate the seals. Then, store in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Best drench and pour-on applicator guns

There are a number of drench and pour-on applicator guns available on the market, each with their own benefits and considerations to be aware of.

Here are the top products we recommend in each category. Browse each product in more detail to determine whether it’s suitable for your chosen product and use case. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Specialist Sales team for our expert advice.

Top oral drench applicator guns

Top pour-on applicator guns

Pour-on applicator guns for harsh chemicals

Drench and pour-on applicator guns play a critical role in Australian livestock production. They ensure the effective administration of parasite control products and essential vitamins and nutrients, which in turn, supports optimal animal health.

Investing in quality applicator guns is critical for livestock producers. By selecting a quality applicator and keeping it well-maintained over time, you’ll ensure long-term efficacy and directly benefit the health of your animals, improve production, and increase farm efficiency.

Shop drench and pour-on applicators at Specialist Sales now.