Previously available only via vet channels, Troy Animal Healthcare has announced the launch of Butec in over-the-counter channels.
Butec is a long-lasting pain relief product – developed in collaboration with the CSIRO, MLA and AWI – that is suitable for all calf and lamb marking procedures, targeting pain that lasts after anaesthetics wear off.
The transition to over-the-counter availability provides easier access to producers and an opportunity for Australian rural reseller businesses to increase sales and revenue from a new pain relief product category.
Troy CEO Nicolas Shortis said Butec’s launch was a game-changer for animal welfare, producers and farm supplies businesses.
“Animal husbandry procedures are necessary but very painful, and this pain is experienced both during the procedure and for some hours and days later,” Mr Shortis said.
“Butec provides simple, safe and sustained pain relief, enabling faster mothering up and return to expression of normal behaviours such as feeding.
“This new product allows long-lasting pain to be addressed, something that has not been possible through the OTC channel before. It is essentially a whole new product line that farm supply businesses can sell.”
CSIRO principal research scientist Dr Alison Small said the product is backed by rigorous scientific development and testing.
“The product has actually been available via vet channels for some time, so it has been proven over many years on the ground in farms right around Australia.
“The CSIRO also conducted numerous tests during development that repeatedly showed lambs and calves given Butec were able to maintain normal behaviours after anaesthetics wore off while those not receiving it were unhappy and acted abnormally.
“One study showed a seven-fold reduction in pain related behaviours in Merino lambs in the first eight hours post knife castration and hot iron tail docking.”
Merino wool grower Chris Croker, from Ayrston in Golspie also confirmed the positive outcomes from using Butec.
“Lamb marking is essential for the health and wellbeing of our sheep and Butec de-stresses the process for our workers and the flock.
“Butec is an easy, simple to use product that is effective in helping lambs through the important lamb marking procedures.”
Troy is supporting the launch of Butec with an integrated marketing and stakeholder engagement campaign, including direct outreach and support for stockists.
Established 65 years ago in collaboration with vets, Troy is Australia’s leading local producer of animal healthcare products, providing Australian farmers with Australian solutions for Australian conditions.
