CowRecovery
Every dairy farm, regardless of size or system, will encounter a down cow. On larger farms, sheer herd size increases the frequency of such events; on smaller farms, the challenge lies in limited labour availability. For both, the implications are serious: delays in care lead to suffering and permanent damage, while poor handling causes additional injury and risk to both stock and staff. Worst of all, outdated methods—such as hip hoists, incorrectly sized tractor buckets, or even the RSPCA's suggestion of dragging a cow on a tarpaulin or sheeted door—often lead to broken trust with the public.
The CowRecovery system enables safe, efficient transfer of a recumbent cow into a deep-bedded recovery pen. It features a hand-operated reeling mechanism designed to eliminate the uncontrolled force often associated with hydraulics, enabling a single stockperson to load the cow gradually and stress-free. The rounded front edge reduces abrasions and impact injuries, while wide leg straps and a secure halter minimise the risk of injury from head flailing or leg kicking.
Farm innovator James Yeatman developed CowRecovery with support from an Innovate UK grant and collaboration with Synergy Farm Health and Albutt Attachments. The system was trialled over ten months across 15 farms and more than 10,000 cows. Led by veterinary surgeon Rachel Hayton, the project formalised a repeatable technique, validated system reliability, and shaped the delivery of a comprehensive training programme.
In its first year, the CowRecovery System won the Innovation Award at the 2025 Cream Awards and was Highly Commended as a New Product at UK Dairy Day.
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