Castration Rings

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 11:51 pm

Most of my calves are bull calves and I've sucessfully used a castration ring on the first couple. But I'm certain I've not done a proper job on the third. So he's for the vet. I've used the ring when the calves are just a few days old as I want to avoid discomfort. But at this age it is difficult to tell whether I've done it right. Just had another couple of bull calves (it must be in the local water) and would be interested to know what others feel is the optimum age to use a castration ring to avoid discomfort but have the testicles developed enough to avoid mistakes.

Colin

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 9:00 am

Rubber rings may only be used in calves under 7 days old in the UK. Burdizzo or knife may be used after that, but over 2 months of age the operation should be done by a vet using an anaesthetic.

Anyone castrating calves should be properly trained. Your nearest DCS field advisor or group may know of local training, or your vet. We used to do courses in castrating and dehorning but sadly not since the demise of the old Agricultural Training Board.

Duncan

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:15 pm

Thanks Duncan. A local agricultural college (near Winchester) has said they'd consider running a tailored one off course on aspects of cattle handling if enough people wanted it (I think they said around 8 to 10 people). So if there's anybody interested let me know. And if I can get enough I'll pursue it.

Colin

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:11 am

We have heavier rubber rings available here in NZ that can cope with older calves.

If you are getting the vet in to dehorn your calves, you might as well get them to do the castrations at the same time. I time these jobs with getting the vet to pregnancy test our cows. Its cheaper, getting everything done at the same time.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:28 pm

It is not the strength of the rings which is the deremining factor, it is the welfare of the calves. In the UK it is not legal to use rings on calves over one week old because it has been decided that there is too much pain associated with the process after one week of age. This has been determined not only by observation following the procedure but by scientifically measuring the indicators of pain associated stress.

Duncan

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 7:21 pm

Hi, had an email off Katie in relation to this thread but I can't reply for some technical reason as there's no email address to respond to. Katie please email me again and include your own email address within the text, so I can reply. I'm away until 26th, so will respond when I return.

Colin

Louisa Gidney · Post by **Louisa Gidney** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:37 am

Did you try applying the rubber ring while the calf was standing, or did you sit it on its bottom like a sheep? I get a local farmer to do the job on the odd occasion when I want one ringed & he reckons it's best to do them while standing. If you sit the calf down, the testes can slip back into the body cavity.