Whether you need a cattle prod to use on cattle or other livestock and animals, we know that you want one that is effective at first time of prodding, safe, easy to use, and comfortable to hold.
Additionally, you likely have your own preferences in mind, such as the reach of the prod and whether you need to use the prod in close quarters or not. Whatever the case, after extensive research, here are the 4 top cattle prods depending on your needs.
4 Best Cattle Prods
Best Overall: Miller Mfg Hot-Shot DX36 Livestock Prod
The Miller Mfg DX36, with its fiberglass shaft, is very durable, powerful, comfortable, and safe to use.
New: $145.99
The Miller Mfg Hot-Shot DX36 Livestock Prod is our top pick due to its build quality, comfort, safety, and effectiveness. Simply put, it does everything right and nothing wrong.
The prod features patented technology to reduce feedback shock, a rubber handle grip to reduce fatigue, as well as an oversized trigger, handguard, and built-in safety switch to reduce accidental use to enhance user comfort and safety.
The Miller Mfg DuraProd comes with an interchangeable 36-inch rigid fiberglass shaft that animals respond to very well. It usually just takes one touch for even the largest animals to respond.
Runner-Up/Best Reach: West Thorne Pro Livestock Prod
If you need the longest reach possible, the West Thorne 52" is your best bet.
New: $69.99
Available in three sizes, 33.8″, 43.7″, and 52″, the West Thorne Pro Livestock Prod strikes a good balance between effectiveness, comfort, and safety at an attractive price point.
Arguably, animals may not respond to the prod as well as the Miller Mfg DX-36, but it will still allow you to efficiently herd your livestock more easily.
Shockproof, moisture-proof and durable, the West Thorne Pro Prod is smartly designed so you can remove the stick and handle for easier carrying. It also features a large internal battery that is rechargeable and holds a good charge for an extended amount of time.
If you need a prod with excellent reach, look no further than the 52″ West Thorne Pro Livestock Prod.
Also Great: Hotorda Livestock Electric Prod
The Hotorda Eletric Prod will work on all animals but is better suited to smaller livestock.
Check Amazon for Pricing
The Hotorda Livestock Prod is also available in two sizes, 34.25″ and 43.7″, and is another great option to consider. It will work on cattle and larger animals but is probably better suited to smaller animals on a farm like pigs and goats.
The prod is easy to use thanks to its non-slip, comfortable grip; features a long-lasting rechargeable battery; and has a double-switch and safety-switch design to enhance safety.
Best Mini-Sized: Hot-Shot Pocket-Sized Cattle Prod
This pocked-sized prod is perfect for close-in work .
New: $67.99
If you would prefer to use a pocket-sized cattle prod, look no further than the Hot-Shot Cattle Prod. Weighing just 10 ounces and small enough to fit in your pocket, the prod is designed for close-in work.
The prod is moisture resistant, enclosed in a high-impact plastic case, and takes two 9-volt alkaline batteries. A wrist strap is included for carrying convenience.
Important Considerations When Buying a Cattle Prod
- Prod Build Quality & Material
One of the reasons why the Miller Mfg Hot-Shot DX36 is the best cattle prod is due to its fiberglass construction that ensures the prod is both lightweight and very durable.
This can make the prod a pleasure to use, especially if you need to use it frequently. You just don’t get that with prods made from other materials – at least to the same extent.
- Animals You Need to Prod
Controlling and moving a 2,000 lb bull can be a very different proposition to a 200 lb goat. While any cattle prod you buy will likely have some effect on the largest and heaviest animals, if you want to make your life easier then you should buy a powerful cattle prod from the very beginning to avoid frustration
- Prod Length/Reach
One of the most important things to consider when buying a cattle prod is its reach. Most cattle prods are designed for more general usage and herding and don’t require you to bend down either.
A product like the very compact Hot-Shot Pocket-Sized Cattle Prod, though, is best suited for vets and other close-up uses.
- Battery
Cattle prods either take single or multiple batteries that are either rechargeable or non-rechargeable.
Each has their own pros and cons in terms of ease of replacement, simplicity, and battery life.
- Safety Features
It goes without saying that a cattle prod should be safe to use. First and foremost, any cattle prod you consider should be waterproof. Water and electricity aren’t exactly a great combination.
Other features like safety switches to prevent accidental zapping, and rubber handles due to its insulation resistance, can also be a welcome addition too.