Bull Top Strap

A larger, specially shaped top strap designed for bulls with a wider, more muscular neck (typically bulls 500kg/1100lb and over). The shape is designed to better fit bull anatomy, following the contour of a bull's neck more closely.

• Improves overall comfort for the animal
• Helps keep the neckband sitting correctly in place on the neck
• Reduces the chance of the strap flipping over, which can sometimes happen with the standard top strap on bulls

As a bull's neck gets wider, there's a point where the standard top strap doesn’t reach down either side of the neck anymore. When this happens, the chain no longer sits where it should and instead puts pressure on the widest part of the neck. The Bull Top Strap is shaped to keep reaching down either side of a wider neck, keeping the chain sitting correctly.

500kg/1100lb is a good general guide for when to consider the Bull Top Strap, but neck size and shape are the more important factors. Depending on an individual bull's neck shape, some bulls may need the Bull Top Strap fitted at slightly under 500kg/1100lb.

Consider fitting the Bull Top Strap when

• The standard top strap no longer reaches down either side of a bull's neck, leaving the chain sitting on the widest part of the neck rather than at the sides
• You've noticed the standard top strap flipping over on a bull
• The bull's neck is broader than its head, which can let the neckband ride up and slide off (more common in Bos Taurus breeds)
• You want a more comfortable, better-fitting option for a bull with a larger neck profile
• You're fitting neckbands to bulls around 500kg or more, as a general guide

Neck size and shape are the best indicator of when a bull needs the Bull Top Strap. Some bulls may need it fitted slightly under 500kg/1100lb, depending on their build. For cows and other cattle, the standard top strap is still the recommended option.

Fitting

The Bull Top Strap fits and adjusts in the same way as the standard top strap. Follow your usual neckband fitting process, checking clearance and chain alignment as normal.
See full fitting instructions
See How-to Ensure a Proper Neckband Fit

Welfare Considerations
The usual neckband welfare guidelines still apply when fitting the Bull Top Strap:

• Fit check: Allow 2.5 - 5cm (1 - 2 inches) of clearance between the neck and the top strap for mature animals. Too tight can lead to pressure injuries; too loose increases the risk of the neckband slipping or the animal catching a leg through it.
• Animal condition: Only fit neckbands to healthy animals. Don't fit a bull that is lame, has poor body condition, or has open wounds or broken skin on the neck.
• Temperament: Don't fit neckbands to highly agitated animals. Bulls should be calm during fitment, both for their own safety and for the fitter's.
• Monitor after fitting: Keep an eye out for lumps or localised swelling in the days after fitment, particularly during mating season when bulls may be more active or prone to sparring. Most lumps are minor and resolve on their own, but refit more firmly or loosen as needed based on what you see.
• Warm weather: In hot conditions, check under the strap every so often as part of your normal animal checks. As with any wearable, a bit of moisture or sweat under the strap is normal in the heat but it's worth checking to make sure the fit is still comfortable and there's no rubbing or irritation developing.

See How-to Ensure a Proper Neckband Fit

Ordering

• The Bull Top Strap is ordered as an accessory, separately from the neckband itself, and comes as a pack of 4
• It is swapped out in place of the standard top strap on the neckband

FAQs

Can I use the Bull Top Strap on cows? No. The Bull Top Strap is designed and shaped specifically for bulls. Cows should continue using the standard top strap.
Can I use the Bull Top Strap on younger or lighter bulls? It's designed for bulls 500kg and over. Lighter bulls should continue using the standard top strap.
Do I need a new neckband to use the Bull Top Strap? No — it's a swap-out accessory that replaces the standard top strap on your existing neckband.
Does fitting change with the Bull Top Strap? No, the fitting process is the same. Only the shape of the strap itself is different.

Updated on: 04/09/2026