A survey of beef cattle castration methods.
B. Jones, L. Horstman and J. Morrow-Tesch, Purdue University, West Lafayette,
IN
A survey of Ohio beef producers was conducted at the Professional Cattlemens'
IRM (Integrated Resource Management) Seminar in Ohio on February 9 and
10 of 1995. The survey was conducted to find out which methods of castration
are used by producers. Three principle castration practices are used today
in the beef cattle industry. These methods are surgical, banding, and Burdizzo.
Of these three practices, the most frequently used method was ban ding
(38.46%), followed by surgical (36.92%), and then Burdizzo (24.42%). Responses
indicated that the method used is due to the ease and quickness (25%) and
because of the presumption of there being less stress to the calf (25%).
These two answers were followed by health and safety concerns (18%), other
reasons (15%), having always practiced the current method (9%), and cost
(7%). The "other reasons" were assurance of completeness following surgical
castration. Age of castration any also be a consideration when attempting
to reduce stress. This survey indicated that the majority of castrations
are performed between one month of age and weaning (45%). Next was castration
within five days of birth (24%). Castration between the ages of one and
four weeks of age (16%) and after weaning (15%), were equally practiced.
Reasons for selection of these ages were less stress on calves (26%), ease
and quickness of method (19%), health and safety concerns (17%), other
reasons (14%), having always practiced the current method (10%), cost (8%),
and higher weaning weight (6%). The majority of producers did not believe
that local anesthetic should be used at any age (88%). Producers did indicate
that they believed the method of castration is a stronger justification
for the use of a local anesthetic (23%), than the age of castration (12%).
This survey indicates that producers believe that method and age of castration
may affect the well-being of calves being castrated. Yet, many of the producers
share the belief that their method and age of castration is most beneficial
in reducing stress on the calf, while practicing different castration methods.
Scientific validation of which method of castration and age are least stressful
has not been demonstrated in beef calves. It is clear from the survey that
individual producers believe that the method they use reduces stress.