Since Tri-Solfen® was commercially launched, over 150 million lambs have been treated and over 80% of Australian wool growers are now using Tri-Solfen for their sheep. Here’s what some of them have to say…
‘We have used pain relief for two years now and seen real production gains. We are concerned for the welfare of our animals and will continue to use pain relief to ensure they get the best care.’
Clinton Wise– Wililoo Merino Stud, Woodanilling, W.A.
'It easy to see the difference pain relief makes. Before, lambs would walk away hunched up, even taking a couple of hours to walk back to the paddock. Now they run straight back to Mum and start suckling,” says Rod. “My wool is now sold under the Better Choices brand. I see this as a definite advantage. I think it will be an advantage in the long run, to both me and the industry as a whole.'
Rod Miller– Glenpaen Merino Stud, Horsham, Vic
'After being treated with pain relief my lambs were more content and less stressed. As farmers we are sincere in looking after the welfare of our animals and using pain relief demonstrates this.'
Richard Coole– Frankland, W.A.
'We have been using pain relief for the past three years. We’re impressed by reduced bleeding in the mulesing wound immediately after application. Lambs run straight back to find the ewe, which has dramatically reduced our mortality rates. Flock management, post lamb marking is easier due to the effect of pain relief and the scab healing faster.'
Ryan & Malcom O’Dea– Peepingee Merino Stud, Narrogin, W.A.
'Using pain relief eases the stress and allows lambs to mother up and move back to the paddock easier with faster weight gains.'
Ian is Chief Executive Officer of Dechra Pharmaceuticals, which has a 33% shareholder in Medical Ethics. He joined National Veterinary Services, Dechra’s former services business in 1989 and joined the Board of Dechra in 1997. In October 2010, Ian was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of Sanford DeLand Asset Management.
Dr Chris Roberts
Human Wound and Regulatory Advisor
Chris has over 20 years’ line management experience of heading clinical research teams. He was previously global head of Smith & Nephew clinical support and market development, where he managed global clinical Phase II and III programmes in the management of venous and pressure ulcers.
Lieutenant Colonel Professor Steven Jeffery
Medical Specialist Advisor
Steve has over 15 years’ experience in military plastic surgery. In 2011 he was awarded the Military Civilian Partnership Award for ‘Regular of the Year’, as well as receiving the Wounds UK ‘Key Contribution’ award and the Smith and Nephew ‘Customer Pioneer of the Year’ award. He has also been awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England ad eundum. He is an expert adviser to NICE Medical Technologies Evaluation Programme. Steve co-founded the Woundcare 4 Heroes charity, which is already making a big difference to the wound care of both serving and veteran personnel.
Dr Matthew Bayfield
Medical Specialist Scientific Director
Dr Matthew Bayfield, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Strathfield Private Hospital and VMO Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Professor Peter Windsor
Veterinarian Research Advisor
Peter is a registered specialist veterinary surgeon in New South Wales and an emeritus Professor at Sydney University. He holds a BVSc (Hons), PhD, DVSc and diploma from the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management.
Dr Julian Braidwood
Global Regulatory Affairs Advisor
Julian has held leadership roles and managed international clinical projects with Grampian. He was previously Regulatory Affairs Manager at Novartis Animal Health. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Triveritas, where he is responsible for a team of 40 animal health specialists across the EU and the US.
Tri-Solfen® is a local anaesthetic and antiseptic gel spray that adheres well to wounds and acts as a barrier to environmental stimuli, promotes haemostasis and improves wound healing. Tri-Solfen® contains two proven topical local anaesthetics; fast-acting Lignocaine for immediate pain relief and long-acting bupivacaine for prolonged post-operative pain relief. Adrenaline is included for its ability to reduce the shock and stress of blood loss, whilst prolonging the anaesthetic action. Tri-Solfen® also contains Cetrimide; an antiseptic widely used to cleanse skin and wounds and provides protection from bacterial contamination.
CATTLE producers attending the Commercial Cattle Championships at Beef 2021 threw their support behind the use of pain relief in animal husbandry practices.
Kerryn Piggott, Christmas Creek, Rolleston, said the off-the-shelf product Tri-Solfen® by Medical Ethics was being used on about 1000 calves a year.
“We believe keeping our cattle happy and content is paramount,” Mrs Piggott said. “The first thing we noticed about using Tri-Solfen® is that after dehorning and castration, there was a noticeable affect. “They walked a lot better, stayed with the mob, and we didn’t have calves left behind, which did happen in the past. “Happy cattle make fat cattle, which gives you more money hopefully.”
Keith Bettridge, Mount Wilga, Alpha, said Tri-Solfen® made a big difference in helping in the mothering up process.
“Prior to Tri-Solfen calves would lie down, shake their head, didn’t want to mother up, didn’t want to suck,” Mr Bettridge said.
“We tried it, and we liked it, and we’ve been using it ever since. “It’s good for the whole industry, I’d recommend it.”
Peter Mahoney, Gyranda, Theodore, said he had been using Tri-Solfen® for two years. “What I notice is the calves are usually quite calm,” Mr Mahoney said. “It’s rare that you see a calf that is agitated, in pain, or seems in pain. “For my experience it does add valve, especially from an animal welfare point of view.”
Professor Peter Windsor from The University of Sydney, Camden, said the adoption of on-farm pain relief was evidence of Australia’s leadership in advancing practical animal welfare.
“It is a good news story that needs to be told,” Professor Windsor said. “Australian agriculture, through the willingness of many of our farmers to be pro-active in changing their practices, is having a major impact on advancing global livestock welfare.”
Issued by the Cattle Council of Australia, the guide follows the recent improvement in access to registered pain-relief compounds.
Tri-Solfen® by Medical Ethics is a distinctive blue gel, which contains two local anaesthetics, lignocane and bupi vivaine, plus adrenalin to stop bleeding and an antiseptic to prevent infection.
An application of Tri-Solfen® costs between about a $1 and $1.50 to treat each animal. It is described as best suited to calves aged six to eight weeks and is designed to provide pain relief for 24 to 36 hours. Tri-Solfen® is applied using an applicator gun, which has recently been upgraded.
