WITH a former Wales rugby international among its workforce, Kiwi Kit’s dedication to the game is undisputed but the Pembrokeshire-based agricultural supply company has taken that obsession to new heights by commissioning a calf feeder in the colours of the British and Irish Lions.

Emblazoned in red, the 50-teat Stallion open trough trail feeder mirrors the Lions’ famous jersey and is now being offered for sale to a farmer who shares Kiwi Kit’s passion for the game.

The company’s founder and director, Pembrokeshire dairy farmer, Kim Petty, and two of his staff, 34-times capped John Davies and Justin Rees, are currently in New Zealand with legions of other Lions fans.

Although Kiwi Kit imports much of its agricultural, equine and leisure products from New Zealand, its loyalty on this tour lies firmly with the British Lions as the squad takes on the might of the All Blacks.

And that loyalty is reflected in the liveried feeder. Kim, who is an avid Lions fan, said the colourful feeder sent a clear message to the squad that the company was right behind it.

John, who has worked for Kiwi Kit since retiring from professional rugby and also rears beef calves on his farm in north Pembrokeshire, is scrutinising each game with the benefit of an insider’s knowledge.

“What I wouldn’t give to be in that squad!’’ admits John, who played more than 600 matches of first class rugby for Neath RFC, Richmond RFC and Llanelli/Scarlets RFC, has 34 international caps and is a former member of the Crymych RFC squad.

The Stallion MG50LT feeder, which has capacity to hold 1,000 litres of milk, is a popular product with Kiwi Kit’s customers on grass-based systems.

Although the specially commissioned model doesn’t come with a guarantee that the Lions will out-perform the All Blacks during the series, Mr Petty said there could be no question mark over the performance of calves reared on this system.