Nose ring (animal)

Nose rings are used to control bulls and occasionally cows, and to help wean young cattle by preventing suckling.

Historically, the use of nose rings for controlling animals dates to the dawn of recorded human civilization.

[2] Calf-weaning nose rings, sometimes called weaners, are pain-based anti-suckling devices.

Use of calf-weaning nose rings reduces the stress of weaning by separating it into two stages.

Bulls, especially, are powerful and sometimes unpredictable animals which, if uncontrolled, can kill or severely injure a human handler.

A rope or chain from the ring may be attached to a bull's horns or to a head-collar for additional control.

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.

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.

They are often used on steers and cows, along with a halter, at agricultural shows, or when handling cattle for examination, marking or treatment.

Bull-holders, also known as bull-tongs, have a pliers action and are used for short periods on grown cattle when they are being mouthed or drenched.

Rooting is the act of a pig nudging into something with its snout, such as into the dirt to unearth plants to eat.