Eversole recommends having a second person pull the bull’s tail over its topline to limit pain. The high-tension bander uses a ratcheting mechanism to tighten the band. The device has a tension indicator that alerts you when the proper tension is reached. You will then cut the band, which in turn secures a clip to hold the rubber tubing together. “The calf will lay down for two to three hours after the procedure. If you only plan to castrate calves under 250 lbs, the no-frills 2005 PRM Castrate Bander is an effective yet inexpensive way to get the job done. Banding is the primary focus of this article and is best used for young calves, though with the right equipment can be used on larger or older calves. A properly-applied band will cut off the blood flow to the testicles and will allow the scrotum and testicles to atrophy and fall off without leaving any open wound or causing any bleeding. Using a Knife

Today’s Farm Tip Friday is coming to you on Saturday…because sometimes that’s just how things go. But it’s a good one! I’m going to tell you all about howto band a bull calf. If you come here mostly for the recipes and don’t know what I’m talking about, banding a bull calf is a way to castrate them, which makes them a steer instead of a bull. Once you have the calf caught, you can begin the procedure. Whittier explains the “rule of two”: “You have to count to two, three times during the procedure. The first time you count to two is before the procedure. If you can’t count two testicles, don’t put the band on. Cattle ranchers across the nation are consistently producing cattle and achieving the same goal but are doing it with various equipment and practices. Larson says that when it comes to castration, there are people who support banding for animal welfare concerns and there are some people who oppose it for the same concerns. These compounds cause the animal’s immune system to produce specific antibodies. They can limit the production of hormones that regulate testicular function like GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone).We have banded 3 calves on our farm…. ourselves… without shots, without headgates, without cattle chutes, without vets. All by ourselves in fields with nothing but a few kids as farm hands. What is Banding? When you start your search for an appropriate calf bander, there are some factors to consider. You need to think about the weights and ages of the calves you intend to band, alternative methods of castration if banding is not a realistic option, and consider the elasticity and strength of the bands you’ll be using and how well they work with your bander. Weight and Age of the Calf The problem with waiting longer to band your calf is that they will be bigger and stronger. It’s pretty easy to man-handle them and keep them still when they are littler. In fact, you can really just lay them down and take care of it. When they are bigger though you’ll need some help. I just used a method I’ve used a thousand times to draw blood on loose cows when I was by myself for my MS project. Andy didn’t really get it at first, so I’ll include some photos so you can know what I’m talking about. However, injections have to be renewed once every 6 months, which can be costly. This is why hormonal castration has become a lot less popular than the tried-and-true physical castration methods. Castration Age

The later you wait in life, the more stress your cattle will have to experience. S&J XL bander is a fantastic solution to make their delayed castration less painful. This large bander for cattle can handle various kinds of animals ranging from 250 to 750lbs, from sheep, goats, cows, pigs, and so on. The high-tension bander uses rubber tubing secured with a clip. As with other banders, “make sure both testicles are placed through the band and remain below it prior to completion.” Although the risk of developing tetanus is less when banding smaller calves, it is still recommended the calf be vaccinated for tetanus. Another precaution to avoid tetanus is to “make sure you have a clean, dry place to band – avoid all muddy conditions,” says Eversole. Generally producers and owners castrate their calves. Rarely would a vet be called to perform routine castration but vets may be asked to train new owners or to work with rescue groups. General types of castrations and tools are bloodless (burdizzos, banding) or open (blades). Open castration Newbury knife The cow banders must be accurately applied. If it’s not, it may not disrupt all of the blood flow to the testicles, resulting in a failed castration. Occasionally, there are even cases of the band “missing” one testicle.

Let them grow – then decide

He continues, “When you have an open wound from surgical castration, you encounter more problems when there are muddy conditions or flies present. The calf that has been banded will incur less pain, and you have less risk of developing tetanus.”

I just feel better putting a band on them rather than cutting them anymore,” Jim Richey says. “It’s safer for me.” Let them grow – then decide Another tool to aid in catching the calf is the Calf Catch, which is a long pole with a hook on the end. You grab the calf’s rear leg with the hook which disables them from running away.The Smart Bander is a more affordable option for those who love the Pro Bander but have a limited budget. This bander is much cheaper and comes with a Callicrate cutter, 5 loops, and a compact carrying case. No, steers don’t grow as fast as bulls. Studies have shown that bulls have higher live weight gains and heavier carcass weight. The financial return of growing bulls is also greater, too. The bander is made of aluminum and steel for better durability, features an extra-large opening, and is lightweight to make it easy to handle. Which is in itself hilarious to me… but has new meaning now that Deadpool has a band around his scrotum. For sheep, goats and swine, two (2) doses of 0.5 mL each. The interval between doses should be approximately 30 days. Revaccinate all animals retained for breeding and those held beyond the normal marketing period annually. Use the full dose as recommended above.