CASTRATION OF BULL CALVES AND ITS METHODS

 

Castration of bull calves is the total removal of the testes of calves. A Bull Calf is a young bull below six (6) months. This operation is done at this age because the pains the operation would inflict on the animal is lower as compared to older age and it is easier done at this age because they are less aggressive and hardy.

Also, the primary purpose of this operation is purely to enhance the market value of the bull and it is best done at the tender age when the animal is just developing physiologically.

This operation has copious benefits; this is why farmers craving for more profit on their stock adopt the practice. This is not detrimental to the quality of the animal rather it improves the quality for good. Castration of bull calves results in a more symmetrical development of the body; in particular, there is a better balance between the fore and hind quarters. This brings about awesome gait and posture of the bull, hence, making it attractive and highly marketable.

Also, it is generally believed that castration of bull improves the texture and tenderness of the bull. It flavours the beef, making it more palatable when eaten. Many people hanker for beef for festivals or ceremonies. This is added advantage.

In addition, castration of bull calf makes the bull easier to handle as they become quiet.  At times it’s not always easy to handle bull owing to their terrifying nature and how intimidating they might be, but when castrated they are easier to handle. They are not prone to sexual excitement or drive, castrates deposit fat more rapidly than non-castrates.

Bull calves can be castrated any time from four weeks to eight months but best done when calves are from four to ten weeks.   

Methods involved in castration are:

·        The bloodless castrator or Burdizzo pincers.

In this method, the spermatic cords and associated blood vessels are crushed or severed so completely that the testicles waste away from lack of blood circulation. Young calves can be castrated by this means while standing but those over three months are best castrated lying down.

It is a satisfactory means of castration as there is no external bleeding and chances of infection are reduced.

  

·        Open Incision

In this method, an incision is made on the scrotal sac and the testes are removed by pulling them away from the spermatic cord. It is not advisable to lacerate the spermatic cord since excessive bleeding might result.

The cord is gradually scrapped with a sharp knife until it snaps off.

·        Rubber Ring or Elastrator

This consists of stretching a specially made rubber ring over the scrotum. It is a useful method for castrating young calves less than two months of age. The ring cut off the scrotal and the testicular blood circulation so that they finally drop off. The hands of the operator and the instrument should be kept clean and as nearly sterile as possible by dipping in disinfectant solution.

This operation might look baleful but as a profit-oriented farmer, ways to maximize profit at low cost should always be the target. This is one of the ways to increase the quality of a bull at low cost.