A prod to make animals move or move faster. Ranges from a pointed stick to an electric instrument. The electrically powered units may be battery-powered or operate off mains power, most suited to use in a fixed location such as an abattoir, or a portable model with a small generator which is operated by opening and clenching the hand. Invaluable when loading or encouraging downer animals to rise but are brutalizing and cruel if used unnecessarily.

Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved.