A new range of brighter, bolder, better sheep marker sprays has been introduced by Allflex as part of a larger collection of livestock marking products which includes ram harnesses and crayons, raddle powders and cattle tail paints.

Flexmark sheep marker sprays are fitted with a new 360o block-free valve, which allows users to apply spray marks at any angle without affecting performance. The new stable spray formulation also minimises residue for a fully emptying can, while the precise writing tip enables users to make clear and accurate markings that are highly visible from a distance.

The markers are available in seven long-lasting, bright, clear and distinct colours: red, blue, green, orange, yellow, purple and white and all seven use a unique, British Wool Marketing Board approved formulation which, as well as boasting one of the fastest drying times on the market – thereby ensuring fresh marks don’t smudge – can be applied to wet or dry wool and will remain bright even after heavy rain.

The 400ml aerosols feature colour-coded packaging to make it easy to identify the colour even if the lid is lost and are ideal for pairing ewes with lambs at birth, marking ‘fat’ lambs, drafting cull animals, identifying individual animals in need of special attention or distinguishing which animals belong to a specific flock or group.

“The new Flexmark sheep marker sprays, which are available in local agricultural merchants, have been developed to make it easier for flock managers to apply instantly recognisable and long-lasting identification marks to their animals with minimal fuss and wastage,” explains Ashley Musgrave, Allflex UK general manager.

“All of the products in the wider Flexmark range have been sourced from carefully selected, specialist manufacturers and have been thoroughly tested for more than a year prior to launch.

In addition to the sheep marker sprays the new Flexmark range also includes a Dales Marker, a versatile, long-lasting marking paste which is ideal for use on upland sheep.

The paste can also be applied in wet or dry conditions and can be used pre or post-dipping. It adheres strongly to the fleece and can be used with a stick for spot marking or with paint branding irons. The 2.5litre and 5litre buckets are available in four colours: red, blue, green and orange.

Ram harness and marking crayons are also available, with the harness having been stitched with rotproof Kevlar thread for longevity. It uses broad, comfortable webbing which wraps around the ram’s brisket and holds the marker crayon securely in place without chafing or rubbing.

Quick clips rather than buckles make the harness faster and easier to fit, while the harness’s bright orange colour makes it easier to spot the ram from a distance. Each harness is also supplied with a replacement clip to prolong the life of the harness.

The replaceable click-in, click-out marking crayons can easily be exchanged or replaced without the need to tip the ram and without the need for fiddly cotter pins to be pushed through the crayon.

The crayons are available in six bright colours (orange, yellow, green, blue, red and purple) and are manufactured from a non-drying wax which has a four-year life compared to most of the other crayons which usually only have a two-year lifespan. Each crayon is provided in easy access packaging and mounted in a low-profile plastic case to maximise crayon usage and minimise wastage.

Adding to the Flexmark range is raddle powder, a thick, oil and powder-based paste which is applied to the ram’s chest using an applicator stick. It can be used as an alternative to the harness and crayon-based marking system and will not detach from the ram’s chest. The raddle powder is available in 1.5kg tubs in red, blue and green.