REGINA – A polar fleece product designed to keep bull testicles warm during especially cold weather has been recalled.
Marge Garnier of Redvers, Sask., who designs and makes Oyster Ovens, said she recalled the bags after hearing a veterinarian’s concerns.
Garnier said Al Barth of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon warned her that too much heat can kill a bull’s sperm.
“On a safety issue I decided to recall them,” she said. “I’m hoping to do some testing maybe on cull bulls.”
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Garnier said she knew keeping the testicles too warm could be damaging, but Oyster Ovens are designed for use when it is -20 C and colder. She said other veterinarians, and a doctor from Calgary, have told her they don’t see any problems as long as the product is used correctly and removed when weather gets warmer.
Garnier, who came up with the idea of a testicle warmer after losing two bulls to frostbite, said she will continue to use the warmers on her bulls. Most of the recalled product has been returned and cattle producers who keep using them do so at their own risk, she said.
She had sold about 30 Oyster Ovens.
Garnier said she plans to talk with Barth to see if testing can be done at the university. She continues to sell Marge’s Muffs, earmuffs for calves.
