Water-based detail tail paint effective and durable

Water-based detail tail paint effective and durable

1 August 2016

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GEA | FIL has expanded their water-based Detail tail paint range in response to popular demand, adding a convenient 1L Detail applicator to the 10L and 2L pack sizes.

The environmentally–friendly product developed to perform, is easier to apply and clean up, and its low irritant formula is gentle on the cow.

Specifically designed for accurate heat detection, Detail water-based tail paint is made in New Zealand and has been on the market since 1996. Initially only available in standard pastel colours, Detail now contains fluorescent pigments and comes in five colours, providing easy visibility and identification. With similar adhesive and visibility qualities to Tell Tail (FIL’s oil-based paint), Detail will visibly mark a cow for up to 21 days*.

Dairy farmer Martin Axten has used the FIL range of animal markers for the past seven years. Last season he milked 1,900 cows across two properties, one at Lochiel and the other at Winton, with weather often a factor when it came to marking the cows. He’s used Tell Tail (oil-based) and Detail (water-based) paint and considers both proven and cost-effective.

Initially a little nervous about using a water-based paint, fearing it might lose its effectiveness quicker. However, because his FIL Area Manager recommended it and because he trusts FIL products, he went ahead and found his fears completely unfounded. It really was impossible to spot any difference in performance.

“FIL Detail water-based tail paint works the same; it does what it’s supposed to do and is an effective, good quality product,” says Martin.

Being water-based, Detail has several benefits over the more traditional oil-based paint.

Importantly, it’s more environmentally friendly, minimising health and safety risks on farm. It’s gentler on skin, which makes for better cow comfort, particularly when cows are severely rubbed. Of course, there’s also less risk to the applicator’s skin.

Detail is faster drying than oil-based paint (it dries in about 10 minutes). And, being water-based, it’s easy to clean up with a bit of water if it spills on anything.

Martin now prefers water-based Detail. “It’s better for the animals, less irritating. And it’s definitely easier to clean up.

“The pack sizes all make for easy application, catering for different herd management systems. I’ve particularly enjoyed the two litre Detail bottle. It’s handy to use in the backpack, with two guns going, one for each hand. Keeps things rolling; we don’t have to stop and reload. The new one litre Detail applicators will be handy too.

“Previously I was more confident using Tell Tail in bad weather, but we haven’t actually had the water-based Detail wash off. We are probably more strategic about when we apply Detail, careful to apply it only when we get a dry window. However, on more than one occasion the rain has come within the hour and the paint stayed on. Clearly, it does dry quickly.

“In terms of performance, it’s hard to gauge a major difference between the oil-based Tell Tail and water-based Detail. However, because it’s low irritant and less risky to use, it makes more sense to use Detail.”

The 1L Detail applicator is exclusive to Fonterra Farm Source stores. For advice on the FIL range of marker applications, contact your local Fonterra Farm Source Technical Sales Rep or FIL Area Manager.

*Detail Tail Paint lasts up to 21 days, subject to conditions and correct application.

Article supplied by GEA | FIL New Zealand