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New Calf coming

781 views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  mailman 
We band our calves within a day or so of birth. Anytime after a few days we can't catch and hold them. Ours are with their mamas in a pasture or large pen though. We probably lose some growth enhancement verses non-castrated males but you also set them back some if you wait until they are older. Try to do it before fly season though, to prevent maggots from infecting the wound (you usually have a small wound when the scrotum drops off). To be honest, though, we never had a problem with maggots or anything.

The procedure is about the same as with goats...but you can't handle the calves as easily as a goat. I find it is easiest for me to band calves when they are laying down. As with goats be sure to count to two ;) .
 
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