castrating a bull

Ozark makes a case for castration--I would have to agree with his logic.

On the failure of the burdizzo, I suspect it is technique just as it is when the bander fails. The best set of instructions for use of the burdizzo that I have seen specified that one clamped each side of the scrotum twice, about a half inch apart. While the burdizzo is still clamped, pull down on the testicle (not the scrotum) so that the cord is separated.

I have never seen anyone double clamp as suggested, but the old man who taught me to use the burdizzo always pulled the testicle down from the clamp. I try to work the cord to the outside edge of the scrotum so that it is well inside the jaws when the burdizzo is closed.

We call the vet. He charged us $24 for dehorning two calves and castrating one. This was done at two weeks old. The dehorning was more difficult for them that the castration. I'm sure if we had a big farm with lots of cows it would get costly but I'm not planning on more than 10 or so beefers at a time.

Forgot to say, castration was by cutting. It took the vet it seems like seconds. I don't think the bull/steer knew what happen.

Watch a couple before you do one. It is not fair to the calf if it takes you 20 minutes to finish it. I cut as soon as I can after they are born. If a vet is coming anyway to work cows, etc then I let him do it for $3. It worth that not to get kicked and dirty at age 50.