Waterproof transmitter attached to headstall.Foaling season can mean long hours of supervision and sleepless nights for the breeder, who often doesn’t have a large staff to regularly monitor a mear who is close to foaling. However, there is now a proven system available that offers a solution to this problem.
The Magic Breed Broodmare Foaling Alarm System first appeared on the ABC television program The Inventors around 30 years ago and was awarded second best invention in 1980. That same year it was awarded a bronze medal at the 9th International Display of Inventions in Geneva from a field of 45 entries.
The foaling monitor consists of a small, waterproof battery-operated transmitter enclosed in a leather pouch which is attached to the mare’s headstall and positioned comfortably under her neck. The transmitter is activated 8-10 seconds after the mare lies down to foal and a signal alerts a receiver positioned up to 400 metres away.
As the mare is only wearing a headstall, she’s not aware of the transmitter, and is completed relaxed when she goes down in the foaling position.
As the mare is only wearing a headstall, she’s not aware of the transmitter, and is completed relaxed when she goes down in the foaling position without being disturbed by bright lights, noises or someone constantly checking her. On many larger studs, the night watchman can wait in comfort until the signal is given, instead of continually disturbing the mares.
This unique foaling device automatically and silently alerts the mare’s owner or breeder when the mare lies down and stretches out to commence labour. If the mare is down briefly and then returns to her normal activities, a built in delay prevents a false alarm being broadcast.
At the time of the actual alert, the person responsible for monitoring the Magic Breed Broodmare Foaling Alarm System will know that it’s time to have the mare under surveillance and be ready to assist during labour and delivery.
The alarm is Australian manufactured and sold by Magic Breed (Australia) Pty Ltd, Cairns, Queensland, phone/fax 07 4035 2379), email info@magicbreed.com.au. Patents have been taken out in all major horse breeding countries of the world, where acceptance for the system has been overwhelming.
Magic Breed sets are available for Hire and Sale from Magic Breed Pty Ltd.