Apparatus for the oral administration of capsules to animals

摘要

Apparatus for the oral administration of capsules to animals, particularly ruminants such as sheep, comprises a tubular member (22) adapted to be inserted into the animal's mouth so that the tip of the tubular member is near the root of the animal's tongue, means for introducing a capsule (20) into the tubular member and for propelling the capsule to its tip, in which the tip of the tubular member (22) consists of two tip portions (110) extending from the mouth of the tubular member and laterally spaced from one another so as to define a cavity in which a capsule (20) is deposited at the root of the animal's tongue. The top of the tubular member has a convexly curved upper surface adapted to engage the animal's soft palate to encourage a swallowing reaction, and a lower surface shaped to engage and restrain movement of the dorsum and the front part of the animal's tongue. Apparatus is disclosed in which the means for propelling the capsule along the tubular member comprises means for supplying air or gas under pressure to the tubular member. The use of a gas to propel the capsule ensures that it is administred rapidly with no risk of damage to the animal.