The Deerhandler
Deer farming in Alberta has grown in popularity over the last 15 years
as the demand for the meat increases and farmers find new ways of
raising their stock. As with many large farm animals, such as bison and
cattle, deer need regular maintenance, requiring a way for handlers to
safely approach the animals.
Inventor Len Jubinville had this dilemma in mind when he designed the
Deerhandler, an apparatus used to restrain deer so that farmers may tag
their animals, test for diseases or perform medical treatment. The
device is a large box-like structure, similar to a cow chute, but
specifically built to hold an adult deer. While one side is left open
for the animal to enter, the opposite end is partially blocked, with a
V-shaped opening. Shoulder pads, placed on either side of the opening,
gently restrain the animal so that only its front legs move through the
box, momentarily suspending it so that the farmer can do the necessary
work.
Deer farmers have long used an alternate device called a "squeeze." The
structure is similar, but the deer are held in place when their handlers
push the sides of the box together. This method is not always effective,
as many farmers are unsure of how much pressure they should apply and
the device does not provide access to the deers head, neck, ears and
antlers.
The Deerhandler was patented in 2001 and is in use on hundreds of farms
across North America.
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