Cow magnets
Cow magnets are specialized veterinary tools used in the management of bovine digestive health. Typically made of a strong, cylindrical magnet encased in a smooth metal housing, they are administered orally to cattle, where they reside in the animal's reticulum, or "second stomach."
The purpose of cow magnets is to prevent hardware disease, a condition caused by the ingestion of metal objects such as nails, wire, or staples, which can accumulate in the reticulum and cause injury or perforation of the stomach lining. When swallowed, the magnet attracts and holds onto metallic objects, preventing them from migrating further into the digestive tract and reducing the risk of injury.
Cow magnets are administered prophylactically or as a treatment for cattle at risk of or exhibiting symptoms of hardware disease. They are typically administered by placing them at the back of the cow's throat, where they are swallowed and eventually make their way to the reticulum.
While cow magnets are primarily used in veterinary medicine, they are also employed in agricultural settings to improve the overall health and well-being of cattle herds. By reducing the incidence of hardware disease, cow magnets contribute to better animal welfare and productivity in dairy and beef production systems.