With all the chat about de-budding, there are questions about the
different irons and tips available. Who among us has not heard about the Rhinehart when we first started  learning about de-budding.  So, what types of irons are there and what is the difference between them?  Which tips should be used for our
Kinders? What is the difference between a Rhinehart X30 or Rhinehart  X50A?

The sun has long since set, wrapping us in a star filled sky.  Rumbling thunder echo's in the distance  as the stars slowly wink out one by one.  The winds are coming!  Oh, how the wind starts dancing through the trees.

Drops of wet wonder sing on the metal roof announcing the rains arrival.  Slowly the storm takes control as the wind changes it's tempo in the night.  Wrapping ourselves in down blankets we let the night sing it's lullaby.  

Visions of the day replay in our minds - how the sun felt on our
shoulders, or how the kids danced among the stumps & trees in the paddock.  The smell of the lilacs in all their shades of blue, purple, red, and white....................

How is it that the subject everyone dislikes the most, is the one brought up most often?  Probably because we are human, we don't like it,  and all of us have had problems with it.

Take our experience over the past 8 weeks. Let's start with the 'buck tip'.  The tip for the Rhinehart 50X especially designed for bucks.  The very same tip that is supposed to prevent problems with de-budding bucklings.  A great way to avoid scurs on  bucks.............

           BUT...........yes there is always a but isn't there?

The buck tip is too large for our Kinder bucks, especially when you consider Kinder bucks need to be de-budded at 5-7 days of age. 

So, your bucklings are here! CONGRATULATIONS! 
Now, do you want to sell them or keep them? Are they breed bucks you'd be proud to sell or are they pets for sure?  These are usual questions many ask themselves.  

Now that word you have been avoiding..........you know..........the one thing you don't want to think about?  Castration......yes, that word.  It has a way of making even the staunchest person cringe, as another hardy soul would just shrug.  You can see it now, your male companion quivering inside with pictures of  dread. Not a pleasant picture is it?  You haven't decided which method yet have you? Or have you chosen a method because of what you have heard?  Yes?  No?

This is for those who haven't decided yet, & even for those who
have done it for years.  Should you consider the negative aspects as well as the positive aspects?  Of course, it will make you a better steward of your herd, even as you decide what to do, or who will do it.

There are three methods of castration.  Cutting (surgical) testicles are removed: banding (elastrator) blood supply is restricted; & clamping (emasculator) cords are crushed.  We've already covered the basics in an earlier blog.  You've asked all the questions you could about how each is done, but there are areas to consider that many don't think about, as in Cortisol.  Cortisol? Don't worry, you'll understand soon enough.  Now, let's talk Castration! 
                                               Yuck..........