how to castrate a bull calf?

mpillow · #21 11/29/07, 12:58 PM

Do it young and have someone feed him his bottle and then band while distracted and happy with bottle (I use 2 bands in case one breaks).

Philip · #22 11/29/07, 09:34 PM

We're the same as Mpillow - put on two bands. At six months make sure he's well confined in the race or in a crush, cause theres a lot of power in an animal at that age if you get in the way

Ronney · #23 11/30/07, 04:06 AM

Eric, I thought castrating with a knife went out with the ark. Not something I would attempt for reasons already mentioned.

Normally all our bull calves are rung by the time they are 3 weeks old but the odd one slips through for various reasons. At present I have one 7 month bull calf that the vet will be coming out to deal with on Thursday because he is now too big to get a ring on. He will still be rung with but what I think you call a Burdizzo. Most small farmers here don't own one as calves are rung with the usual small bands at a young age - and if they're not, they should be, my own included. I'm not about to take the risk of losing a beef animal that will be worth big dollars to a knife for the sake of spending $50.00 on a vet to do the job properly.

Cheers,
Ronnie

MTplainsman · #24 12/03/07, 12:16 AM

It's true... there is no quicker, cleaner, and uncomplicated method to use, than a band. If I were you Eric, I would stick the knife back in your pocket and buy a bander. Have help restraining the calf on it's side, or run him in a calf table, whatever works. Make very sure that both testicals are below the band before pulling off the bander. PRESTO! When in doubt a single band will hold, just slip two bands on the bander at the same time. It is easier to slip on two bands at the same time, than it is one at a time on a larger animal. This is certianly a no mess, no infection, low experience method of castration. I use bands myself on all my bulls every year.