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Why Tick Control Starts with the Right Spray Race | Cattle Tick Control in Zimbabwe

Aug 10
2 min read
Cow and calf with ticks in Zimbabwe


Ticks remain one of the biggest challenges facing livestock farmers in Zimbabwe. Beyond irritating cattle, they spread diseases such as Theileriosis (January Disease), Babesiosis (Redwater), Anaplasmosis, and Heartwater, all of which can have a significant impact on herd health, fertility, weight gain, and farm profitability.

While selecting the correct dipping chemical is important, many farmers overlook another critical factor, the effectiveness of the spray race itself. Even the best acaricide cannot provide adequate protection if cattle are not being sprayed thoroughly.


Why Tick Control Starts with the Right Spray Race | Cattle Tick Control in Zimbabwe



inner frame of cattle spray race with multiple high performance nozzles

A Spray Race Is More Than Just a Steel Structure

A properly designed spray race ensures that every animal receives complete coverage from head to tail. Areas such as the ears, brisket, belly, legs, tail, and under the tail are common hiding places for ticks and must all be treated during every spraying cycle.

Poorly designed systems often leave untreated areas, resulting in surviving ticks that continue breeding and spreading disease throughout the herd.


Why Spray Coverage Matters

Consistent, even spray coverage provides several important benefits:

  • Improves tick and parasite control

  • Reduces the risk of tick-borne diseases

  • Minimises chemical wastage

  • Reduces repeat treatments

  • Improves overall herd health and productivity

  • Saves time and labour during routine dipping

A quality spray race not only protects livestock but also helps maximise the value of every litre of dipping chemical used.


Why Tick Control Starts with the Right Spray Race | Cattle Tick Control in Zimbabwe



Spray race at a field day on a cattle farm in Zimbabwe

Built for Zimbabwean Farming Conditions

At ZWE Group, our cattle spray races are designed for the demands of commercial and small-scale farming across Zimbabwe.

Our standard spray race features:

  • 34 heavy-duty spray nozzles for full animal coverage

  • 1,500-litre holding vat complete with hoses and fittings

  • Heavy-duty steel construction

  • Efficient spray layout designed to minimise chemical waste

  • Strong, practical design built for years of reliable operation

For farms without reliable electricity, we also manufacture solar-powered spray races, providing dependable operation in remote and off-grid locations.


A Complete Livestock Handling Solution

A spray race performs even better when integrated into a well-designed cattle handling system. Working crates, neck clamps, weighing platforms, cattle sides, gates, and handling pens all contribute to safer, more efficient livestock management.

ZWE Group also designs and manufactures custom livestock handling facilities, including handling pens, feedlots, and complete cattle handling systems tailored to each farm's layout and operational requirements.


Why Tick Control Starts with the Right Spray Race | Cattle Tick Control in Zimbabwe


Investing in Long-Term Herd Health

Tick control is an ongoing management practice rather than a once-off treatment. Investing in a well-designed spray race helps ensure every application is as effective as possible, protecting both your cattle and your investment.

Whether you are upgrading an existing handling facility or developing a new livestock operation, choosing the right spray race is one of the most important decisions you can make for the long-term health and productivity of your herd.


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Image by James Lee
Image by James Lee

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Image by James Lee
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