Vetlexicon Bovis from Vetlexicon | Definitive Veterinary Intelligence

Introduction

Note: The following article has been prepared based on the guidelines for the United Kingdom. It is recommended to view the specific guidelines for bovine castration in the country of which the veterinarian is practicing in, as they may differ.

Castration (also known as bilateral orchidectomy), is defined as the removal of the testicles.
Castration is a common procedure carried out in cattle for a number of reasons:
- To improve meat quality.
- To render males more docile and manageable.
- To prevent unwanted breeding.
- Surgical correct of scrotal hernias.

UK stock keepers may castrate calves less than 8 weeks of age. However, calves greater than 8 weeks of age may only be castrated by a veterinarian.

Under the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act 1954, as amended, it is an offence to castrate calves which have reached two months of age without the use of an anesthetic. Furthermore, the use of a rubber ring, or other device, to restrict the flow of blood to the scrotum, is only permitted without an anaesthetic if the device is applied during the first week of life.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), in association with the British Cattle Veterinary Society (BCVA) have recently released a statement regarding analgesia in calves. The full statement can be found here.
- BVA advices that they consider that existing legislation does not reflect a level of appropriate analgesia and fails to reflect changes in scientific understanding, pharmaceutical developments and societal opinions which have developed over time.
- BVA advise that both a local anesthetic and a NSAID should be used for all castration of calves, whichever method is used, in accordance with data sheet commendations.
- The author, reviewer and editor support the BVA’s stance on this issue.
The options that exist for performing castration in cattle include:
- Closed:
  - Burdizzo clamp.
  - Elastrator band.
  - Banders.
- Open:
  - Surgical ligation.
  - Newberry knife.
  - Dual-action emasculatome.
  - Henderson castration tool.
  - Incise, twist and pull.