Written by Rosslyn Biggs, DVM, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Beef Cattle Specialist
Approaches to castration should be made with operational objectives and animal welfare in mind. Producers should consult with their herd veterinarian for a castration protocol that includes consideration for animal age, facilities available, castration method, and pain control.
Calves castrated at younger ages—ideally under three months—generally experience less stress, recover quicker, and have fewer complications. Unless a bull calf is being kept for potential breeding purposes, delaying castration is unnecessary. If castration must be done on older animals, it is critical to use appropriate pain control and consider surgical methods carefully.
Good restraint for bovine castration is essential. Well-designed working facilities with secure head catch and squeeze are good choices in most instances. For smaller calves, restraint can be done in a calf cradle or on the ground with proper equipment. Beef Quality Assurance guidelines should always be followed.
The primary methods used to castrate are surgical removal or elastrator band. The decision on technique should be made in coordination with the herd veterinarian and consider animal well-being and the recovery environment. If banding is chosen, animals should be vaccinated for tetanus prior to the procedure.
Local anesthetic utilized at the time of castration can decrease the initial pain of castration and help provide additional pain control for up to 5 hours after the procedure. Sedatives may also be combined with local anesthetics for broader pain control during castration. Non-steroidal anti- infl ammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may also be added to the plan to provide immediate pain control along with longer activity. Certain NSAIDS with a single dose can provide up to 48 hours of pain control. NSAID formulations include oral, injectable, and topical applications. For those that band calves, there are now bands impregnated with the local anesthetic, lidocaine, and provide pain control for more than two weeks after banding.
Research in providing pain control has been shown to promote weight-gain and feed intake following castrations and in calves older than seven days decrease the instance of respiratory disease. Pain medications require veterinary prescription.
