A Cow Magnet is a veterinary device used primarily to prevent hardware disease (traumatic

reticuloperitonitis) in cattle. It is a strong magnet that is orally administered and sits in the

reticulum (a compartment of the cow’s stomach). The magnet attracts and holds metallic

objects (like nails, wires) ingested by the cow, preventing them from causing injury to the

stomach lining or internal organs.

•   Material: High-grade neodymium or rare-earth magnet

•   Size: Typically 5–10 cm in length, cylindrical or elongated oval shape

•   Coating: Rust-resistant and bio-safe coating to ensure durability in the digestive system

•   Weight: Approximately 100–200 grams depending on size and design

•  Various sizes available depending on cow size and manufacturer, generally between 5 cm to 10 cm.

•   Mostly cylindrical or elongated oval shape for easy swallowing and retention in the reticulum.

•   Variants include coated and uncoated magnets.

•   Neodymium rare-earth magnets with protective, biocompatible coatings such as  plastic or epoxy resin.

Veterinary Medical Devices – Preventive Instruments

Solid magnet designed for oral administration in livestock.

•   Administered orally to cattle to prevent hardware disease by capturing ingested metal objects inside the stomach.

•   Common preventive measure in dairy and beef cattle management.

•   Prevents serious internal injuries caused by metallic foreign bodies.

•   Simple, non-invasive preventive device.

•   Durable and long-lasting within the animal’s digestive tract.

•   Cost-effective solution to reduce veterinary treatment expenses.

•   Needs proper administration to avoid choking or injury during feeding.

•   Only effective for metallic objects; non-metallic foreign bodies remain a risk.

•   Not a treatment but a preventive measure.

•   Should be administered by trained personnel or under veterinary guidance.

•   Ensure proper size selection according to animal size.

•   Monitor animals after administration for any swallowing difficulties.

•   Do not use magnets that are cracked or damaged.

•   HS Code: 9018.90 – Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences

•   HSN Code: 9018

•   Handle carefully to avoid damaging the magnet or its coating.

•   Store in a secure place away from electronic devices and metallic objects.

•   Usually supplied sterile or cleaned; reusable types should be sterilized as per

veterinary guidelines before administration.

•   Not applicable; intended solely for veterinary use.

•   Widely used in cattle to prevent hardware disease by trapping ingested metallic

objects inside the reticulum.

Q1: What is a Cow Magnet used for?

A1: It prevents hardware disease in cattle by attracting and holding metallic foreign objects

inside the stomach.

Q2: How is the Cow Magnet administered?

A2: It is given orally to the cow, where it settles in the reticulum.

Q3: Can Cow Magnets be used in other animals?

A3: Primarily designed for cattle; use in other animals should be under veterinary advice.

Q4: Are Cow Magnets reusable?

A4: Typically, they remain inside the animal and are not removed or reused.

Q5: What precautions should be taken during administration?

A5: Ensure correct size and proper handling to avoid choking or injury during administration.