Does the Method of Castration Affect Calf Performance?
Little bull with two calves in field, beef cows.
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Keywords

AN291

How to Cite

Warnock, Trey, Matt Hersom, and Todd Thrift. 2014. “Does the Method of Castration Affect Calf Performance? AN291/AN291, 12/2013”. EDIS 2014 (1). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-an291-2013.

Abstract

This 4-page fact sheet discusses the purpose of castration in male calves as well as the different methods used to castrate. Most methods of castration cause a certain amount of pain and stress for calves, which can affect calf performance. UF/IFAS researchers recently tested different methods of castration in calves to determine the effects of each method on calf health and performance. This publication presents these results. Written by Trey Warnock, Matt Hersom, and Todd Thrift, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, December 2013.

AN291/AN291: Does the Method of Castration Affect Calf Performance? (ufl.edu)

https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-an291-2013
view on EDIS
PDF-2013

References

Brazle, F. K. 1992. “Effect of Castration Method on Stocker Health and Gain.” Kansas State University Report of Progress 651, Agriculture Experiment Station.

Bruns, K. W., and R. H. Pritchard. 2004. “Impact of Castration Time and Method on Carcass and Palatability Traits in Steers.” South Dakota State University Beef Report, Department of Animal and Range Sciences.

Capucille, D. J., M .H. Poore, and G. M. Rogers. 2002. “Castration in Cattle: Techniques and Animal Welfare Issues.” Accessed December 2013. http://www.vetlearn.com.

Chase, C. C, Jr., R. E. Larsen, R. D. Randel, A. C. Hammond, and E. L. Adams. 1995. “Plasma Cortisol and White Blood Cell Responses in Different Breeds of Bulls: A Comparison of Two Methods of Castration.” J. Anim. Sci.73: 975–80.

Jensen, S., C. Parsons, and J. England. 2006. “Castration of Bulls.” Colorado State University Department of Animal Sciences. Accessed December 2013. http://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/ansc/CL749.pdf.

Lents, C. A., F. J. White, L. N. Floyd, D. L. Gay, and R. P. Wettemann. 2006. “Effects of Method and Timing of Castration and the Use of an Estrogenic Growth Stimulant on Weight Gain of Bull Calves.” Prof. Anim. Sci. 22: 126–31.

National Animal Health Monitoring Service (NAHMS). 1997. Health Management. Accessed December 2013. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahms/beefcowcalf/#beef97.

Warnock, T. M., T. A. Thrift, M. Irsik, M. J. Hersom, J. V. Yelich, T. D. Maddock, G. C. Lamb, and J. D. Arthington. 2012. “Effect of Castration Technique on Beef Calf Performance, Feed Efficiency, and Inflammatory Response.” J. Anim. Sci. 90: 2345–2352.

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