How to Ensure a Proper Neckband Fit

Neckband Fit Guidelines

To ensure optimal comfort and wellbeing for your cattle, it’s important to fit and maintain neckbands correctly. With any animal wearable, proper fitment and attention to environmental factors help prevent discomfort and skin issues.

General Fitting Guidelines

Each neckband should be fitted firmly enough to prevent swinging, but loose enough to avoid constriction and allow for future growth.

Fit Check: Once fitted on the neck of an animal, gently lift the neckband upward using the orange top strap. There should be about 2 inches between the top of the neck and the top strap.
Chain Alignment: Ensure the chains are evenly adjusted on both sides. The number of extra links should be similar on both sides
If fitting to a mature animal, for example a breeding cow, consider fitting more firmly (one inch between the top of the neck and the top strap) at initial fitment. The neck of a mature animal is much less likely to change in size, compared to a younger developing animal, so we can afford a firmer fit.

See full instructions

Minimising Neckband Swing

In a very small percentage of animals, a temporary localized swelling (commonly referred to as a “lump”) can occur when animals begin wearing their neckbands. This is due to excessive movement of the neckband. These are usually seen soon after fitment or when there is a change in environmental conditions that in turn cause excessive movement of the neckband. These lumps are not typically a serious health concern and usually resolve within a month. Occasionally, residual loose skin or small calluses may remain.

Common Risk Factors:

Loose-fitting neckbands (increased movement and contact with the jaw)
Older animals (reduced tissue resilience)
Animals with poor temperament (more frequent attempts by the animal to remove the neckband)
High fly load environments or other external parasites (increased headshaking and rubbing)
Management and mustering practices that encourage running or sudden movements
Cows in heat or tending to young calves (more head moving associated with licking calf)

Preventative Measures

For high-risk animals consider the following:

Fit neckbands slightly tighter while still ensuring comfort. Monitor regularly.
Implement effective fly or external parasite control measures
Minimise management practices that encourage running or headshaking

If a Lump Develops

Assess the animal and remove the neckband in the case of large lumps to allow the area to recover. In the case of small lumps fit the neckband more firmly.
In the case of broken skin administer an antibiotic spray to the affected area
Monitor the animal. Most lumps subside naturally within a few weeks
Refit the neckband using the guidelines above once the swelling has resolved
Continue to monitor the animals after refitment

Troubleshooting

Issue	Likely cause	Action
Neckband swinging	Too loose	Refit with correct clearance
Lump/swelling	Excess movement, fly irritation, or external parasite irritation	Remove neckband, treat lump if necessary, and apply fly or external parasite treatment, refit if small lumps or after recovery with bigger lumps
Uneven wear	Chains misaligned	Adjust chains evenly
Persistent lump	Callus formation	Monitor; consult vet if needed
Frequent headshaking	Fly irritation or discomfort	Improve fly control, check fitment
Riding behavior during the mating period	Oestrus causing increased movement	Fit neckbands more snugly prior to mating
Nursing behavior at calving	Excessive movement during nursing of newborn calves	Fit neckbands more firmly prior to calving

Updated on: 07/08/2025

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