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..........
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..........
Not only are we going to talk about the pros and cons of each method, we're also going to talk about the research done in Cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone and has been used to research not only to check the stress levels for each method, but
is also used to understand the pain levels of our animals following the different methods of castration. Studies have also considered scrotal temperatures, and scrotal swelling, both indicators of inflammation/pain.
First, let's cover the three methods in a little more detail.....
Cutting, or surgical castration is the most certain method out
there. 100%, no testicles, no unexpected breeding. There are
actually two forms of surgical castration. In one procedure, a cut is made in both sides of the scrotum towards the leg. The testicles are stretched down and pulled through each incision. Once the testicles are pulled through, they are cut and removed. Some
vets will also 'tie off' the spermatic cord to reduce bleeding.
In this method the opening in the scrotum is usually left to heal.
The second method of surgical castration the testicles are pushed up towards the body, providing the lower portion of the scrotum is empty. The scrotum is then pulled down and the lower third of the scrotum is removed. The testicles are then pulled through the opening and the membrane that covers the testicles is then peeled or pushed up - separating them from the testicles. The testicles are than removed as with the first method.
So what are the pros and cons?
Con - Cost. Surgical castration average cost $80-$150 per animal
Pro - Lower risk of tetanus over banding[i]
Con - Cortisol levels spike, returning to normal in 2-4 days[ii]
Pro - higher growth rate
Con - not bloodless, risk of hemorrhage
Pro - heals faster than banding[iii]
Con - risk of infection
Banding, or elastration, is a method of restricting the blood flow to the testicles and scrotum, by placing a ring or band at the 'neck' of the scrotum. In time, the scrotum and testicles fall from the body. It can take 14-21 days before the scrotum/testicles are sloughing off (or losing) them. It should be noted that some European countries have banned elastic band castration because it is considered inhumane.[iv]
So what are the pros and cons?
Con - long term inflammation, sepsis, edema, chronic pain[v]
Pro - bloodless
Con - prolonged healing in older animals-high tension bands[vi]
Pro - cost can be lower than surgical castration.
Con - large lesions may form above the band{vii]
Pro - safer in wet, muddy, and unclean environments
Con - heals more slowly than surgical castration[viii]
Pro - can be done at an early age
Con - higher risk of tetanus, vaccination required
Pro - easy to perform
Con - risk of band breaking or not preventing bloodflow
Clamping, or emasculator (Burdizzo, etc.) is the process of crushing the spermatic cord to prevent blood flow. This interrupted blood flow kills the testicles, causing them to atrophy
(shrivel and die). The clamp must be used on each spermatic cord separately for 10 or more seconds. Then again clamping a second time lower on both cords. Staggering the pinched areas is
recommended. The second crimping (done lower than the first) is less painful due to the first crushing of the cords. Check bucks 2-4 weeks later to verify that the testicles are shrinking and becoming hard. We have been able to palpitate the scrotum 6 days after castration without any indications of discomfort. Studies in the United Kingdom have proven that the second crush applied below the first, was indeed not painful due to the nerves already being destroyed.
So what are the pros and cons?
Pro - rare instance of infection & tetanus
Con - slower than banding
Pro - bloodless
Con - equipment needs to be replaced if not clamping tightly
Pro - less weight loss then cutting and banding methods
Con - can cause acute pain during the procedure
Pro - can be done during fly season & muddy or wet areas
Now let's talk some more..........
How many times have you found one of your animals very
sick and wonder why you didn't notice earlier? Goats are prey animals, just like rabbits and other farm livestock. It is in their genetic makeup to hide injuries, pain, and sickness. This is the way God made them. In the wild to show injuries or weakness meant death and still does in other countries that free-range the majority of their livestock. So, saying that your animal doesn't feel pain with any of these methods is not necessarily true. Saying that kids show no signs of discomfort is often not correct as well, when one considers the animals characteristics in question.
Think about it. How often have you seen your goat kids shake their heads for weeks after de-budding? Or that little hind leg dance they do for weeks after banding? Their continual looking back at their rump. Stamping their rear legs far more often. Notice how their heart rate increases, temperatures rise (and remain so for days), and their respiration increases. These are all signs of pain, discomfort, or stress. All three methods cause pain, all three methods have some risk associated with them. To think otherwise, well.........let's talk about legitimate studies that show differently.
Cortisol levels have been used to determine stress levels for all three methods. Using the cortisol levels is also good indicators of pain as well. In addition, studies have used scrotal temperatures and swelling to determine inflammation (and pain due to inflammation). Behavioral changes, body language, & more are taken into account. There have been hundreds of studies in cattle, sheep, and on a small scale goats as well. Let's go over just a small sampling of these studies.
Age differences. Castrating or banding at a younger age seems to be less stressful and also has a lower risk of bleeding, infection, &
swelling. The 'marbling scores' in steers are higher for steers castrated at an earlier age.[ix] Studies showing neurological changes also contribute to age, younger animals are still developing, etc.
Pain relief. Even though some may think that they recover very quickly when comparing one form of castration or another, a study shows that calves given local anesthetic prior to castration have been shown to weigh 35 lbs. more at the end of the trial than
calves castrated without any pain alleviation.[x] Research at Iowa State found that calves that did not receive pain relief (aspirin) they ended up having higher levels of cortisol.[xi] When comparing banding over cutting and clamping, studies have shown that though cortisol levels do not spike as high, with banding they remain elevated far longer than with the other two methods of castration - leading to chronic pain.[xii]
Comparing Castration methods and pain indicators. Studies show that banding showed behavioral indicators of pain for 3
hours after being banded. Abscess formation and chronic pain indicators could happen for up to seven weeks after banding.[xiii],[xiv]
When measuring behavioral, cortisol, and scrotal area changes of the various methods on 5-7 day old calves showed using rubber rings clearly caused more chronic pain than any other method of castration. The Burdizzo method was considered the most humane.[xv]
Though cutting resulted in 'acute pain' using cortisol levels that peaked at 12-24 minutes after castration. Smaller peaks at 60 and 96 minutes based on behavioral signs. Lesion scores showed rapid healing with limited swelling for less than nine days.[xvi]
Clamping, or Burdizzo castration also caused acute pain using cortisol levels that peaked at 24 minutes. Behavioral signs were used as well. Lesion scores showed swelling increased slightly from day 1 or 2, and were completely gone by day 15.[xvii]
Banding had lower initial cortisol peaks when compared to Clamping or Cutting, however, the cortisol response had later peaks as well as lasting far longer than the other methods.
Using behavioral indications banding showed a significantly higher discomfort level than the surgical or Burdizzo methods of castration. Lesion scores showed severe swelling, inflammation, and infection, peaking in severity at day 27-30 days.[xviii]
Another study on bull calves using all three methods at age seven weeks old, found castration by banding caused more pain both immediately after castration and for up to 7 weeks afterwards when compared to cutting or clamping.[xix]
It should be noted that the UK requires anesthesia for all cattle castrated over two months of age and must be done by a veterinarian. Ireland requires a anesthesia for cutting or clamping over six months of age.
A lot of information to digest isn't it?
Was pain a consideration with the method you choose?
Or did you think that there was minimal pain for your kids?
It isn't very pleasant thinking about it, is it? Age should be considered as well, but OH how hard is it to think about one little fella that adores you, being hurt by you.
The point is this, only you can decide which method works
for you and your herd. But consider this......regardless of the method, there is discomfort and risks that need to be considered in addition to its ease or convenience. Our herds require our full knowledge of what we do, whether pleasant or not. By choosing to have our livestock, we have a responsibility to them far beyond feeding and sheltering.
Castration........are you ready to think of it now?
Blessings,
Brenda Lee
References
[i] Magrath, L.A., Magrath, J.M. (1954). 'Tetanus in calves from elastration'. J Am Vet Med Assoc 125:451.
[ii] Engelken, J. Terry, DMV, (2006). 'Take steps to avoid complications after castration'. Cattle Today.
[iii] Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (2007) ' Castration of Calves' fact sheet.
[iv] Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (2007) ' Castration of Calves' fact sheet.
[v] Bassett, Anna. (2010) Animal Welfare Approved Technical Paper no. 9
[vi] Molony et al (1995) & Fisher et al (2001)
[vii] Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (2007) ' Castration of Calves' fact sheet.
[viii] Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (2007) ' Castration of Calves' fact sheet.
[ix] Knock, Erik, DMV (2012) 'Banding, castration each have their pros and cons'.
[x] Potter, Barry, (2013). Agriculture Development Advisor Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. 'Stop the Pain the case for pain control in calves'.
[xi] Potter, Barry, (2013). Agriculture Development Advisor Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. 'Stop the Pain the case for pain control in calves'.
[xii] Engelken, J. Terry, DMV, (2006). 'Take steps to avoid complications after castration'. Cattle Today.
[xiii] Kent, J.E., Thrusfield, M.V., Robertson, I.S. & Molony, V. (1996). 'Castration of calves: a study of methods used by farmers in the United Kingdom'. Vol. 138, pages 384-387
[xiv] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xv] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xvi] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xvii] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xviii] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xix] Fenton, B.K., Elliot, J. & Campbell, R.C.(1958). 'The effects of different castration methods on the growth and well-being of calves'. Vol. 70, pages 101-103
is also used to understand the pain levels of our animals following the different methods of castration. Studies have also considered scrotal temperatures, and scrotal swelling, both indicators of inflammation/pain.
First, let's cover the three methods in a little more detail.....
Cutting, or surgical castration is the most certain method out
there. 100%, no testicles, no unexpected breeding. There are
actually two forms of surgical castration. In one procedure, a cut is made in both sides of the scrotum towards the leg. The testicles are stretched down and pulled through each incision. Once the testicles are pulled through, they are cut and removed. Some
vets will also 'tie off' the spermatic cord to reduce bleeding.
In this method the opening in the scrotum is usually left to heal.
The second method of surgical castration the testicles are pushed up towards the body, providing the lower portion of the scrotum is empty. The scrotum is then pulled down and the lower third of the scrotum is removed. The testicles are then pulled through the opening and the membrane that covers the testicles is then peeled or pushed up - separating them from the testicles. The testicles are than removed as with the first method.
So what are the pros and cons?
Con - Cost. Surgical castration average cost $80-$150 per animal
Pro - Lower risk of tetanus over banding[i]
Con - Cortisol levels spike, returning to normal in 2-4 days[ii]
Pro - higher growth rate
Con - not bloodless, risk of hemorrhage
Pro - heals faster than banding[iii]
Con - risk of infection
Banding, or elastration, is a method of restricting the blood flow to the testicles and scrotum, by placing a ring or band at the 'neck' of the scrotum. In time, the scrotum and testicles fall from the body. It can take 14-21 days before the scrotum/testicles are sloughing off (or losing) them. It should be noted that some European countries have banned elastic band castration because it is considered inhumane.[iv]
So what are the pros and cons?
Con - long term inflammation, sepsis, edema, chronic pain[v]
Pro - bloodless
Con - prolonged healing in older animals-high tension bands[vi]
Pro - cost can be lower than surgical castration.
Con - large lesions may form above the band{vii]
Pro - safer in wet, muddy, and unclean environments
Con - heals more slowly than surgical castration[viii]
Pro - can be done at an early age
Con - higher risk of tetanus, vaccination required
Pro - easy to perform
Con - risk of band breaking or not preventing bloodflow
Clamping, or emasculator (Burdizzo, etc.) is the process of crushing the spermatic cord to prevent blood flow. This interrupted blood flow kills the testicles, causing them to atrophy
(shrivel and die). The clamp must be used on each spermatic cord separately for 10 or more seconds. Then again clamping a second time lower on both cords. Staggering the pinched areas is
recommended. The second crimping (done lower than the first) is less painful due to the first crushing of the cords. Check bucks 2-4 weeks later to verify that the testicles are shrinking and becoming hard. We have been able to palpitate the scrotum 6 days after castration without any indications of discomfort. Studies in the United Kingdom have proven that the second crush applied below the first, was indeed not painful due to the nerves already being destroyed.
So what are the pros and cons?
Pro - rare instance of infection & tetanus
Con - slower than banding
Pro - bloodless
Con - equipment needs to be replaced if not clamping tightly
Pro - less weight loss then cutting and banding methods
Con - can cause acute pain during the procedure
Pro - can be done during fly season & muddy or wet areas
Now let's talk some more..........
How many times have you found one of your animals very
sick and wonder why you didn't notice earlier? Goats are prey animals, just like rabbits and other farm livestock. It is in their genetic makeup to hide injuries, pain, and sickness. This is the way God made them. In the wild to show injuries or weakness meant death and still does in other countries that free-range the majority of their livestock. So, saying that your animal doesn't feel pain with any of these methods is not necessarily true. Saying that kids show no signs of discomfort is often not correct as well, when one considers the animals characteristics in question.
Think about it. How often have you seen your goat kids shake their heads for weeks after de-budding? Or that little hind leg dance they do for weeks after banding? Their continual looking back at their rump. Stamping their rear legs far more often. Notice how their heart rate increases, temperatures rise (and remain so for days), and their respiration increases. These are all signs of pain, discomfort, or stress. All three methods cause pain, all three methods have some risk associated with them. To think otherwise, well.........let's talk about legitimate studies that show differently.
Cortisol levels have been used to determine stress levels for all three methods. Using the cortisol levels is also good indicators of pain as well. In addition, studies have used scrotal temperatures and swelling to determine inflammation (and pain due to inflammation). Behavioral changes, body language, & more are taken into account. There have been hundreds of studies in cattle, sheep, and on a small scale goats as well. Let's go over just a small sampling of these studies.
Age differences. Castrating or banding at a younger age seems to be less stressful and also has a lower risk of bleeding, infection, &
swelling. The 'marbling scores' in steers are higher for steers castrated at an earlier age.[ix] Studies showing neurological changes also contribute to age, younger animals are still developing, etc.
Pain relief. Even though some may think that they recover very quickly when comparing one form of castration or another, a study shows that calves given local anesthetic prior to castration have been shown to weigh 35 lbs. more at the end of the trial than
calves castrated without any pain alleviation.[x] Research at Iowa State found that calves that did not receive pain relief (aspirin) they ended up having higher levels of cortisol.[xi] When comparing banding over cutting and clamping, studies have shown that though cortisol levels do not spike as high, with banding they remain elevated far longer than with the other two methods of castration - leading to chronic pain.[xii]
Comparing Castration methods and pain indicators. Studies show that banding showed behavioral indicators of pain for 3
hours after being banded. Abscess formation and chronic pain indicators could happen for up to seven weeks after banding.[xiii],[xiv]
When measuring behavioral, cortisol, and scrotal area changes of the various methods on 5-7 day old calves showed using rubber rings clearly caused more chronic pain than any other method of castration. The Burdizzo method was considered the most humane.[xv]
Though cutting resulted in 'acute pain' using cortisol levels that peaked at 12-24 minutes after castration. Smaller peaks at 60 and 96 minutes based on behavioral signs. Lesion scores showed rapid healing with limited swelling for less than nine days.[xvi]
Clamping, or Burdizzo castration also caused acute pain using cortisol levels that peaked at 24 minutes. Behavioral signs were used as well. Lesion scores showed swelling increased slightly from day 1 or 2, and were completely gone by day 15.[xvii]
Banding had lower initial cortisol peaks when compared to Clamping or Cutting, however, the cortisol response had later peaks as well as lasting far longer than the other methods.
Using behavioral indications banding showed a significantly higher discomfort level than the surgical or Burdizzo methods of castration. Lesion scores showed severe swelling, inflammation, and infection, peaking in severity at day 27-30 days.[xviii]
Another study on bull calves using all three methods at age seven weeks old, found castration by banding caused more pain both immediately after castration and for up to 7 weeks afterwards when compared to cutting or clamping.[xix]
It should be noted that the UK requires anesthesia for all cattle castrated over two months of age and must be done by a veterinarian. Ireland requires a anesthesia for cutting or clamping over six months of age.
A lot of information to digest isn't it?
Was pain a consideration with the method you choose?
Or did you think that there was minimal pain for your kids?
It isn't very pleasant thinking about it, is it? Age should be considered as well, but OH how hard is it to think about one little fella that adores you, being hurt by you.
The point is this, only you can decide which method works
for you and your herd. But consider this......regardless of the method, there is discomfort and risks that need to be considered in addition to its ease or convenience. Our herds require our full knowledge of what we do, whether pleasant or not. By choosing to have our livestock, we have a responsibility to them far beyond feeding and sheltering.
Castration........are you ready to think of it now?
Blessings,
Brenda Lee
References
[i] Magrath, L.A., Magrath, J.M. (1954). 'Tetanus in calves from elastration'. J Am Vet Med Assoc 125:451.
[ii] Engelken, J. Terry, DMV, (2006). 'Take steps to avoid complications after castration'. Cattle Today.
[iii] Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (2007) ' Castration of Calves' fact sheet.
[iv] Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (2007) ' Castration of Calves' fact sheet.
[v] Bassett, Anna. (2010) Animal Welfare Approved Technical Paper no. 9
[vi] Molony et al (1995) & Fisher et al (2001)
[vii] Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (2007) ' Castration of Calves' fact sheet.
[viii] Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (2007) ' Castration of Calves' fact sheet.
[ix] Knock, Erik, DMV (2012) 'Banding, castration each have their pros and cons'.
[x] Potter, Barry, (2013). Agriculture Development Advisor Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. 'Stop the Pain the case for pain control in calves'.
[xi] Potter, Barry, (2013). Agriculture Development Advisor Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. 'Stop the Pain the case for pain control in calves'.
[xii] Engelken, J. Terry, DMV, (2006). 'Take steps to avoid complications after castration'. Cattle Today.
[xiii] Kent, J.E., Thrusfield, M.V., Robertson, I.S. & Molony, V. (1996). 'Castration of calves: a study of methods used by farmers in the United Kingdom'. Vol. 138, pages 384-387
[xiv] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xv] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xvi] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xvii] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xviii] Molony, V., Kent, J.E. & Robertson, I.S.(1995). ' Assessment of acute and chronic pain after different methods of castration of calves', Vol. 46, pages 33-48
[xix] Fenton, B.K., Elliot, J. & Campbell, R.C.(1958). 'The effects of different castration methods on the growth and well-being of calves'. Vol. 70, pages 101-103
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