Standard Operating Procedures - cattle
Castration

Objective

To castrate male calves.

Alternatives to animal use for teaching

Abattoir specimens, videos.

Details of procedure

Male calves should be castrated prior to six months of age, and ideally as young as possible, to minimise stress and reduce complications. Castration of calves over six months of age may only be performed by a veterinarian.

Cows and calves should be yarded, drafted and allowed to settle prior to the commencement of castration.

Calves should be securely restrained in a calf marking cradle, or cast and held by two competent assistants. Calves under six months of age may be castrated standing, whilst restrained in a crush.

Methods include knife or scalpel, Burdizzo, emasculators and elastrator rings.

Elastrator rings should only be used on calves less than two weeks of age.

Removal of testes using a knife or scalpel should conform to accepted veterinary practice. Each testicle should be trapped tightly in the scrotum by closing the hand around the scrotum, between the testis and the body wall. A firm incision is made to ensure retention of the tunica albuginea, the clean removal of the intact testis and to maximise the potential for adequate drainage and rapid healing. Blades need to be kept disinfected and replaced at regular intervals.

Castration may be combined with other husbandry practices such as earmarking, branding, ear tagging and vaccination. Castration should occur late in this sequence to minimise stress.

Castration should not be carried out in inclement weather conditions or where there may be excessive heat, dust, mud or slush as these conditions predispose to infections.

Drugs, chemicals or biological agents

Nil

Impact of procedure on wellbeing of animal(s)

If procedure is carried out as recommended, there is minimal effect on animals.

Reuse and repeated use

Calves may not be reused.

Care of animal(s) during/after procedure

Calves should be released into a clean, grassed area with their mothers as soon as possible. Feed, water and shade should be available. Move cattle back to the paddock quietly.

Calves should be kept under surveillance for up to 10 days and any infected or congested wounds treated with antibiotics and/or drainage.

Pain relief measures

Not required.

Qualifications, experience, skills or training necessary to perform this procedure

Demonstrator: Competence in the procedure.

Students:Cattle handling skills.

Standard Operating Procedures - cattleCastration

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