5 Best Cattle Prods Today to Consider | Reviews + Guide

Regardless of the benefits farm animals bring to their owners, handling them requires great patience and new techniques. The stubborn nature of the cattle animals and the fear of prowling predators need special attention. Ignoring these factors can put you in a very dicey situation—you, as a livestock owner, will have to negate both the threat of a strike and the aggressive attitude of your animals. 

Given the significance of cattle rearing and the sensitivity that is involved in it, it is imperative to take the aid of tools for controlling the livestock’s movement. Cattle prods prompt your stubborn herd to move so you can protect them and yourself from wild animals which makes the job a lot easier.  

However, of the various types of cattle prods available today, not all are designed for every kind of situation. This is why we have compiled a list of the five best cattle prods; to further assist you in forming an opinion, we will also highlight the best uses of each cattle prod. Before we begin an elaborate review, here is an overview of the five best cattle prods. 

Listed below are the 5 best cattle prods from our list:

• Miller Hotshot DX36 - Best Cattle Prod. The Miller Hotshot DX36 is a superior quality cattle prod, boasting design expertise from a company with over 70 years of experience in the livestock industry, featuring high-end components, impressive protection, and a 36-inch fiberglass shaft.
• Magrath Livestock Prod - Best Budget Cattle Prod. The Magrath Livestock Prod merges market familiarity and affordability to create the top-budget cattle prod, offering a 22-inch shaft, insulated handle, rubber trigger, and a potent 5.5kV shock.
• West Thorne Pro Cattle Prod - Strongest Cattle Prod. The West Thorne Pro Cattle Prod, built with professionals in mind, is recognised for its robust shock strength, sealed handle, and motor, along with its sizeable 41-inch shaft made of fiberglass.
• SHZICMY Animal Electric Prod Hot Shock. Notably designed with both the animal and user in mind, the SHZICMY Animal Electric Prod Hot Shock is acknowledged for its premium build, gentleness on animals, easy handling, and versatile application, including training guard dogs.
• Parker McRory S29 Stock Prod. The Parker McRory S29, an economic choice for close-quarter use, stands out for its groundbreaking "Instant On Technology," fully enclosed circuitry for enhanced safety, impressive energy efficiency, and budget-friendly price point.

Here is the list of the 5 best cattle prods that you can use to safely and effectively herd your livestock.

1. Miller Hotshot DX36 - Best Cattle Prod

Of all the cattle prods available today, the Miller Hotshot/Duraprod DX36 stands out. The purposes for which this cattle prod is used may not match your requirements but the quality and the state-of-the-art design make the Miller Duraprod DX36 stand above the other cattle prods. 

With over 70 years of experience in the livestock industry, the Miller Manufacturing Company is well aware of the needs of the cattle industry today.  Having expertise in the industry has led to the company dominating to the point where it faces no or little competition today. 

Top Tier Components

One needs to understand that, in the cattle prod market, products are often sold as separate interchangeable pieces. Like all other industries, the big companies in the cattle prod industry are responsible for creating this trend, leaving other smaller businesses with no option other than to follow suit. 

Therefore, it is more likely that a Miller component is connected to a competitor’s product than the other way around. 

Protected

After assessing all the other products and the mechanics behind the production of cattle prods, we can safely say that using a handle as good as the one used in Miller Hot-Shot DX36 is very unlikely. 

The built-in safety switch and the rubber grip provide ideal insulation in addition to ensuring that you don't accidentally shock yourself when using the product. 

As livestock farmers, we all encounter an animal that is aggressive and difficult to deal with, a slight ping on the backside from a close distance may put them off, forcing them to react rather aggressively. The Duraprod DX36 covers this aspect with the presence of a 36-inch fiberglass shaft that provides you with enough length and stiffness; this makes the bad-tempered livestock think twice before pushing through. 

2. Magrath Livestock Prod - Best Budget Cattle Prod

Although not the oldest company on our list, Springer Magrath has focused on providing products exclusively for animal care since its inception. With an experience spanning over half a century, Springer Magrath pays special attention to commercial and agricultural markets. 

The exclusive nature of its products and the target market allowed the company to rise through the ranks. However, it is one of many companies acquired by Miller Mfg Co. 

The takeover has not led to a decline in the standard of the products as Miller has experience and expertise in the cattle and livestock industry which is second to none. Magrath products are now better than before due to their success in keeping production costs lower than ever. 

Although many ranchers may consider that the Magrath Prod is not worthy of being considered as one of the best cattle prods, the low price and the ideal specifications make it the best budget cattle prod. 

Care and Diligence

The Magrath cattle prod is ideal only for experienced users. A short and flexible shaft means that the user will have to get close to the animal. While this may unsettle an inexperienced user, a person using cattle prods for quite some time now will be unfazed when using the Magrath Livestock Prod.

Close Shaves

The particular model of the Magrath Livestock Prod is not rechargeable but the included handle does have an add-on accessory that is rechargeable. Its rubber trigger and insulted grip save you from accidental shocks and given the powerful shock the product possesses, these features become a must-have for the Magrath Livestock Prod.  

Additionally, given the short nature of the shaft, it is very likely that you’ll end up in close proximity of an irate animal. To ensure that the animal does not harm you if you wander off too close, the product makes up with having an electric shock as powerful as 5500 Kv.

3. West Thorne Pro Cattle Prod - Strongest Cattle Prod

Next up is the West Thorne Pro Cattle Prod. The fact that professional ranchers were already pleased with the performance of this cattle prod only means that it is a top-tier tool to effectively herd livestock.

However, of all the products made by West Thorne Pro, this one stands out in particular as their best offering. The extra features that the product possesses, predominantly due to its rechargeable nature, make it one of the best.

Impressive

As the name suggests, the West Thorne Pro Cattle Prod is there to provide an incredibly powerful jolt to animals. It is the only cattle prod that commercial truckers and hog producers can use—such is the significance of the product. 

Made of stiff Fiberglass, the 41-inch shaft is the primary reason for the immense popularity the product has amongst users. In addition to ensuring that you are safe from the cattle prod itself, the large shaft also provides you a safe distance from the animal. 

Self Defense

Similar to all other cattle prods, the West Thorne Pro Cattle Prod also prioritizes your safety and security. A safety clip that sits over the Trigger prevents any accidental shocks. Additionally, the permanent sealing of both the motor and the handle prevents any debris from getting inside. 

The West Thorne Pro Cattle Prod also comes with a rechargeable battery pack, which ensures that you don't have to keep paying for batteries while using the product. 

4. SHZICMY Animal Electric Prod Hot Shock

The SHZICMY Animal Electric Prod Hot Shock is a product crafted with the intent to keep the animals' and users' needs in mind. Constructed with top-notch engineering plastic, this livestock prod provides an enduring and efficient solution for managing and training farm animals without causing any harm.

Premium Build & Gentle

Built from high-grade engineering plastic, the SHZICMY Animal Electric Prod Hot Shock possesses exceptional electrical insulation properties, rigidity, and strength. This material guarantees that the prod is suitable for diverse applications and provides long-lasting service.

One of the most distinguishing features of this livestock prod is its ability to be both gentle and effective. While being useful for guiding the animals, it ensures they are not hurt, placing their well-being at the forefront. This combination of efficiency and gentleness makes it particularly appealing to farmers and livestock handlers.

Versatile & Easy to Use

The SHZICMY prod is versatile, as it can be utilized on cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and even for training guard dogs. This multipurpose implement can be employed for efficient herding, catching, and training, establishing itself as an indispensable instrument for those in charge of livestock.

The updated version comes with a non-slip grip, offering both a safer and more accessible user experience than previous models, and benefits from an extended lifespan. This enhancement ensures that the user's experience remains optimal while managing their animals.

5. Parker McRory S29 Stock Prod

For folks in the market for an economical cattle prod, one alternative presents itself quite prominently - the Parker McRory S29. This 29" cattle prod is designed for close-quarter use, particularly in chute-loading scenarios. Distinguished by its lack of moving parts and fully enclosed circuitry, the S29 combats unforeseen shocks and prevents water ingress quite commendably.

Cutting Edge

What stands out about the S29 is its groundbreaking "Instant On Technology." This feature ensures immediate electric discharges without requiring any sort of preparatory time. The Parker McRory cattle prod also boasts impressive energy efficiency, running seamlessly just off of 2 C batteries.

The relative lack of complexity in its design, coupled with a minimal number of parts, adds to the appeal of the S29. Its enclosed circuitry lends an additional layer of protection against accidental shocks and water damage.

Budget Friendliness

One cannot overlook the economic aspect of the S29. Its price point is nearly half of what other similar cattle prods in the market demand, validating its place as a stellar Budget Buy option.

What is the Best Cattle Prod?

Presented below is a comparison table aimed at illuminating the primary characteristics of the leading cattle prods available. It evaluates each product based on the material of the shaft, the length of the shaft, and its weight.

Buying Guide For The Best Cattle Prod

Considering the fact that a single manufacturer is responsible for producing the majority of the cattle prods today, there is less diversity in the cattle prod industry. The lack of diversity makes the models more or less the same and the differences between the various models are generally less than other sectors. 

To help you figure out which cattle prod suits your needs, we have identified the materials that play a significant role. 

The following buyer’s guide provides you an insight into these materials and guides you on ways you can assess whether the cattle prods are meaningful for the purpose you need them for. 

Fiberglass

Made of an industrial-grade plastic base with glass fibers woven through them, fiberglass resembles plastic more than glass. The composition of plastic and fiberglass adds a much-needed stiffness to the product while not limiting its flexibility of the product in any way. 

For all ranchers, the flexibility of the cattle prod is a must but the non-durable nature of fiberglass, especially during the winter season, limits the amount of flexibility. 

Steel

Analyzing the modern cattle prod, it is fair to assume that steel, due to its conductive nature, is used either for the leads or as part of the frame. However, in reality, the steel is used to reinforce the shaft of flexible cattle prods. 

The molecular structure of steel makes it more flexible than glass, creating an ideal amount of durability and flexibility in the shaft. 

Rubber

This is another material that you expect in a cattle prod. Rubber serves as the insulator that protects the user from getting shocked accidentally. 

Additionally, rubber is also used in combination with steel threads to provide flexibility while being durable for sticking onto your livestock. 

However, the one thing that you need to be wary about rubbers is the organic nature of the product. This means that if you don’t protect the rubber and maintain it, there is a high chance that the rubber will start eroding. 

ABS

Probably one of the best and most durable forms of plastic, ABS is the same material used in Lego building blocks. It is also used by NASA for research. In addition to not being affected by whatever you throw at it, ABS is also incredibly durable. 

ABS is one of the significant components of cattle prods. In addition to the materials mentioned here, this plastic type is a regular feature in almost all cattle prods. The durable and resistant nature of ABS makes it an excellent cover for handles, saving them from accumulating all sorts of dirt and debris. 

Copper

Another material found in almost every brand, copper is easily the least-used material in a cattle prod. Being one of the most conductive metals in the world is the only reason to include copper in a cattle prod. 

Used primarily in the prod's contact base that transfers the charge, copper is alloyed with other metals in less reputable cattle prods. The mixture causes contact points to wear out quicker due to the flow of electric charge, resulting in a less effective cattle prod. 

Rod

Considered an essential component of a cattle prod, the rod gives the user the space for safely prompting stubborn livestock. The contact is what drives the herd but it is the distance that allows you the space for issuing a warning to the cattle. 

Many experienced ranchers claim that the use of electric current will annoy an already angry animal; this makes maintaining a safe distance from the animal even more important. There is also much discussion among ranchers about stiff rods, and flexible rods, and choosing one over the other. We feel that both the cattle prod types have their advantages and disadvantages but your use of the cattle prod type should depend on how aggressive your animals are. 

The Debate on Stiff vs. Flexible

The cattle prod type preferred by you is heavily dependent on the kind of animals you have. Although flexible shafts are less likely to break, they don't give you the option of training your animal since it does not present a mental impediment.

With the use of a stiff shaft, you can time the shock properly training your animal on the actions that lead to the shock. The fear of impending electric shock will cause the animals to avoid circumstances that lead to it, convincing them to move or stop when desired.

In addition to having low chances of breaking down, flexible shafts are also less expensive considering that they are generally made of rubber and not fiberglass which is used in stiffer shafts.  

Length

The length of the shaft is something that depends on your comfort level in dealing with an aggressive animal. If you are confident and have full faith in your abilities then a short shaft will also do the job for you. If you don't feel comfortable controlling an agitated animal from a close distance, then you need a rod with a considerable distance on it.

A person who is reasonably confident about their ability to control the livestock can do with a short shaft of around 2 inches. However, as a user, it is imperative to understand the limitations of using the product as well since there are not many short shafts that can support its weight.

The logic of shaft collapsing under its weight is true for rods over a length of 3 inches as shifts that are stiff or made of fiberglass run the risk of snapping and collapsing under their weight when used for long periods.

What are cattle prods used for?

Cattle prods are electric tools used to train and move cattle by delivering a shock or stimulating sensation. Cattle prods are usually composed of a metal shaft with a handle at one end and an electric current-emitting tip at the other.

The electric current is typically delivered in short, sharp pulses to get the animal’s attention, encouraging it to move in a desired direction, commonly to encourage animals to move through gates or onto trucks.

Can you use a cattle prod underwater?

Cattle prods are not designed to be used underwater because the electrical current could be dangerous to humans and animals in the water. Additionally, the electric shock generated by a cattle prod could be amplified and magnified due to its conductive properties in the water, resulting in a potentially greater shock to the cattle.

Do cattle prods make noise?

Yes, cattle prods typically make a buzzing or crackling noise when activated, the buzzing or crackling noise is meant to startle the animals and help direct them in the desired direction. The noise is usually loud enough to be heard by the person using the cattle prod and the cattle, after training the noise will be sufficient to encourage the movement of cattle.

How long is a cattle pod?

Cattle prods typically range from 18 to 24 inches in length. The length of the prod varies depending on the size and type of cattle being moved, with larger prods typically being used for larger animals.

Choosing the great cattle prod today is not an easy task. As mentioned before, the vast array of products available having little to no variety further complicates the problem. However, given the specific details discussed above, you can assess and choose the best cattle prod that suits your needs ideally.

Of all the products mentioned above, we have already nominated the clear favorite – Miller HOT-SHOT DX36. The flagship product of one of the premier manufacturers of cattle prods, HOT-SHOT DX36 has all the right features and components, providing users with the best handles and the best shafts in the industry. The delicate balance of price and service also adds in favor of the product, making it our best cattle prod.

However, if you are thinking of something different and need an option that has less impact on your pocket, then the Magrath Livestock Product is ideal. If you are someone who wants a distance from the livestock and is not afraid of spending more, then West Thorne Pro is what you are looking for.

This guide on the best cattle prods today and the significant components that play a critical role in making them the best will make your life easier for sure, don't you think?

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