Happy Mondo Missy Monday!
Here's to all of us having a magnificent day! And what better way to start your day off than with another Missy Show Christmas in July post! Today we're on the fifth day from The Twelve Days of Christmas song, (don't worry; your math isn't off; this is only the third C.I.J post, but I combined the second, third, and fourth day into one post this past Saturday--I didn't want to bore you to death with too many separate bird posts). In today's post, we're focusing on rings--and in this case--animal rings!
I actually researched to see if there was such a thing as animal rings, in the sense that we have human rings; and I'm assuming since I came up with nada, that no such thing exists, or there's just not much documented about it, (which is cool, because that would likely be uncomfortable for an animal's paw). But then I started thinking about a different type of animal ring that might be even more uncomfortable--nose rings. I've seen pictures of bulls or cows with nose rings and didn't really think much about it--until now. So why is this practice done? And is it really necessary? You be the judge.
Today's Animal Ring info is courtesy of Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nose_ring_(animal)
A nose ring is a ring made of metal designed to be installed through the nasal septum of pigs (to prevent them from rooting) as well as domestic cattle, usually bulls. In pigs, nose rings are alternatively pierced through the rim of the nose. Nose rings are often required for bulls when exhibited at agricultural shows. There is a clip-on ring design used for controlling and directing cattle for handling. Nose rings are used to encourage the weaning of young calves by discouraging them from suckling.
Use
Well that's it for now,
Today's Animal Ring info is courtesy of Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nose_ring_(animal)
A nose ring is a ring made of metal designed to be installed through the nasal septum of pigs (to prevent them from rooting) as well as domestic cattle, usually bulls. In pigs, nose rings are alternatively pierced through the rim of the nose. Nose rings are often required for bulls when exhibited at agricultural shows. There is a clip-on ring design used for controlling and directing cattle for handling. Nose rings are used to encourage the weaning of young calves by discouraging them from suckling.
Use
The nose ring assists the handler to control a dangerous animal with minimal risk of injury or disruption by exerting stress on one of the most sensitive parts of the animal, the nose. Bulls, especially, are powerful and sometimes unpredictable animals which, if uncontrolled, can kill or severely injure a human handler.[2][3]
With an aggressive bull, a short length of chain or rope may be left hanging loose from the ring, so when he ducks in a threatening manner, the bull will step on the chain and be deterred from attacking.[4] This lead may also facilitate capture and control of a frisky bull.[5]Control of the bull may be done by holding the ring by hand, looping a piece of rope through it, clipping on a bull staff. A rope or chain from the ring may be attached to a bull's horns or to a head-collar for additional control.
Construction and Insertion
Bull rings are usually about 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm) in diameter, depending on the size of the bull. Bull rings are commonly made from aluminium, stainless steel or copper, in the form of a pair of hinged semicircles, held closed by a small brass bolt whose head is broken off during installation. If a ring needs to be removed (for example, if the bull has grown out of it), it is cut or unscrewed.
The ring is normally placed on the bull between 9 and 12 months of age.[6] It is usually done by a veterinarian, who pierces the septum with a scalpel or punch. Self-piercing rings (with sharp ends designed to be pressed through the septum and then pulled together with a screw) have been available for many years; these are also usually installed by a veterinarian rather than the owner.[7][8]
Calf-weaning nose rings or nosebands provide an alternative to separating calves from their mothers during the weaning period. They have plastic spikes which are uncomfortable for the mother, causing her to reject the calf's efforts at suckling. Weaning nose rings are also available for sheep and goats. These nose rings (usually made of plastic) clip onto the nose without piercing it, and are reusable.
Self-locking or spring-closing show-lead nose rings, also called "bulldogs" or nose grips, are removable rings that do not require the nose to be pierced. They are often used on steers and cows, along with a halter, at agricultural shows, or when handling cattle for examination, marking or treatment. They stay shut until released, and usually have a loop for the attachment of a cord or lead rope. They give similar control to a bull ring without the need for permanent attachment.
And my feelings...
Okay. I'm gonna stop it right here. You know I'm naturally not feeling this. I do understand that they say some of this is for the handlers' safety with bulls, etc; but it still just seems kind of cruel. However, I'm not going to get on my soapbox. It's Christmas in July! Let's keep it feel-good. Of course, there's more to this article, so just keep reading at the link above. Maybe I just should've went with the topic of human rings shaped like animals...Nah.
Well that's it for now,
Check back here on Thursday for another regular Missy Show post, and Saturday for a new Christmas in July post.
Until then,
This is your host J,
signing off...
Until then,
This is your host J,
signing off...
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| I like these kind of rings much better... |
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