The Kowkatcher, a restraining hook invented by Co. Kerry’s James Foley, is now being used by farmers, vets, hoof pairing and AI technicians across the globe.
The innovative product launched just weeks after its appearance on That’s Farming back in April 2019.
It is now available nationwide and has also been marketed further afield in the UK, Norway and Denmark.
Making animal handling easier
Speaking to That’s Farming, Foley, said: “There are excellent reviews and reports back from very satisfied customers.”
“The product’s brief is very simple, that being to make livestock handling easier on animals and operators and to provide a cost-effective solution to working with cattle.”
“The aim is to save time and effort and, thus, eliminating the need for another labour unit on-farm.”
He stressed that the product is designed to be used by anyone who owns livestock – “regardless of their size or strength or number of animals”.
Uses
“The product’s broad range of uses are fostering calves under adopted mothers, mastitis tubing cows, replacing tags, injecting, oral bolusing and drenching cattle as well as insemination by AI technicians. It is also used by vets and hoof pairing technicians.”
The Kowkatcher’s design is unique as the curve at the back of the hook allows the operator to work at an angle to the animal, Foley explained.
“The curve itself is designed as to fit in the animal’s mouth comfortably without hurting them and the curve at the end with the ball attached allows the hook to slip easily under the animal’s lip and into its mouth safely and effectively.”
Kowkatcher 2.0 – what is different?
12 months on, on April 19th, 2020, in the midst the global health pandemic, Kowkatcher 2.0 was launched.
The fundamental aspects of the main hook remain the same, however, this version boasts three additional features, according to its creator.
The stainless steel that is used to make the Kowkatcher is 0.5mm stronger, which, James admitted, “sounds very little but adds amazing durability and strength”.
There is a new tapered handle with a stop at the end which adjusts comfortably to the operator’s hand and is very easy to clean and disinfect after use.
The newly designed Kowkatcher logo is displayed at the base of the handle.
Covid-19
A range of merchandise has been designed through Farm Wardrobe, with branded bodywarmers and baseball hats forming part of the collection.
“The recent Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the decimation of the summer show calendar but we have still decided to keep running with offers when the relevant shows were to take place.”
These, Foley added, include Balmoral, Cork Summer Show, Tullamore and the National Ploughing Championships.
Purchase
The Kowkatcher can be purchased directly from its Facebook page here or from a range of merchants including:
- Dooley Agri in Monaghan;
- Agri Direct, Ballyconnell Cavan
- Liam Dolan Farm Supplies, West of Ireland;
- Paul Conroy, Agri Supplies, Whitegate, Co Clare;
- John O’ Donnell, Dromdindoora and Kinvara, Galway
- Stockhealth, Bandon, Co. Cork;
- McDonnell’s Mills, Coolagown, Fermoy, Co. Cork;
- Kalen McNamara, Eurogene technician, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
- Joe Hayes, Cleanline Farm Services, Tipperary Town.
Information
Contact James on: 0861956617, email [email protected] or see Facebook.
