| There are 3
methods commonly used to castrate bull calves: surgical,
elastration, and bloodless castration.
Surgical
(knife):
This
method involves cutting into the scrotum, removing the
testicles, and crushing and/or severing the spermatic cords.
Advantages
- most certain and effective
- if done correctly, there may be little blood loss
Disadvantages
- Risk of bleeding
- Risk of infection at incision site
- May have reduced intake and rate of gain following
the procedure
Elastration
(banding):
A
strong rubber ring is stretched over the scrotum and placed
tightly over the scrotal sac above the testicles, cutting of
the blood supply.
Advantages
- Faster and easier than other methods
- Less stressful on animals
- If done correctly, there may be no decrease in appetite or
rate of gain
- There is no blood loss involved
Disadvantages
- May not be quite as effective as surgical castration
- Bands can break, and the procedure has to be repeated
- Both testicles must be descended into the scrotum and the
band applied above both the testicles to be effective
Bloodless
castration (Burdizzo):
Using
a special pressure instrument (Burdizzo), the
spermatic cords are crushed and severed inside the scrotum
when applying leverage to the handles, thus cutting off
blood flow to the testicles.
Advantages
- No blood loss
- Can be quite effective if done correctly
Disadvantages
- More time consuming as each cord must be done separately,
and for best results the procedure should be repeated on
each cord
- May not be quite as effective as surgical
Always
consult your veterinarian before trying a new method or for
assistance in improving your current method. Be
current on vaccinations (especially tetanus) to improve
animal health and reduce complications when castrating. |
