Shoof Chinball Harness Bull Mating Marker for Cattle
Description
Shoof Chinball Harness - Simple, Visual Heat Detection for Cattle
The Shoof Chinball Harness is a robust harness-halter worn by a bull, fitted with a cone-shaped device underneath that holds a freely rotating ball and a reservoir of ink. It is used by dairy and beef farmers to identify which cows have been mated: as the bull mounts, the ball rolls and transfers ink onto the cow's back, exactly like a ballpoint pen.
When a cow is properly in season she will receive very clearly identifiable back markings from the bull wearing the device, giving an at-a-glance record of mating activity without any electronics, batteries or software. It is best for herds using natural service bulls, and for anyone who wants a straightforward visual check on returns and breeding activity.
Key Features
- Ballpoint principle: a freely rotating ball inside a cone-shaped device transfers ink cleanly onto the cow's back
- Stainless steel ball container: hard-wearing reservoir that can be filled with ink of the desired colour
- Generous coverage: each 0.5-litre fill is enough to mark 25-30 cows
- Robust harness-halter: built to stay in place on a working bull out with the herd
- Colour flexibility: use different ink colours for different bulls or mating periods to keep records clear
- No technology required: nothing to charge, pair or maintain beyond refilling and cleaning
Specifications
| Brand | Shoof |
|---|---|
| Product | Chinball Harness |
| Type | Bull mating marker harness-halter |
| Marking mechanism | Freely rotating ball in a cone-shaped device |
| Container material | Stainless steel |
| Fill volume | 0.5 litre |
| Cows marked per fill | 25-30 |
| Ink | Fill with ink of the desired colour |
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Category | Agrihealth |
How to Use
- Fill the stainless steel container with ink of your chosen colour.
- Fit the harness-halter to the bull so it sits securely, with the cone-shaped chin device positioned beneath the jaw.
- Check that the ball rotates freely in its housing before turning the bull out.
- Turn the bull out with the herd and inspect cows daily for markings on the back.
- Record marked cows as served, and watch for repeat markings that may indicate a return.
- Top up the ink as the level drops, and clean the unit before storing it between mating periods.
Browse more farm and livestock equipment in our Agrihealth collection.
FAQ
How does the Shoof Chinball Harness work?
It works on the same principle as a ballpoint pen. A freely rotating ball sits in a cone-shaped device under the bull's chin, and as the bull mounts a cow the ball rolls and transfers ink onto her back.
How many cows will one fill mark?
Each 0.5-litre fill is enough to mark 25-30 cows.
What colour ink can I use?
The stainless steel ball container can be filled with ink of the desired colour, so you can use different colours for different bulls or mating periods.
Does it tell me when a cow is in season?
When a cow is properly in season she will receive very clearly identifiable back markings from the bull wearing the device, so the markings act as a visual indicator of mating activity.
Is the ink included?
Ink is supplied separately unless stated in the listing, so order a refill at the same time if you do not already have some on the farm.
How do I stop it leaking or clogging?
Check the ball rotates freely before each use, keep the container topped up rather than letting it run dry, and clean the unit before storing it at the end of a mating period.
About Shoof
Shoof is a New Zealand livestock equipment brand known for practical, hard-wearing tools used on dairy and beef farms, in yards and by veterinary professionals. The Chinball Harness is a long-standing part of that range, built for daily use in demanding farm conditions.