Farmers who breed bulls for meat often castrate them. This is done not only to improve the taste of animal meat. Bulls have a obstinate temper, so the operation is carried out to pacify. The castrated animal ceases to experience sexual hunting and becomes calmer. This simplifies the work of the farmer. What methods of castration of bulls exist? Learn from this article.
General information
Farmers are eager to get a large amount of delicious succulent meat from cattle. Products obtained from castrated bulls contain more fat. Such meat has good nutritional qualities and is highly appreciated by consumers. Slaughter yield in individuals subjected to castration, always increases by 10-15%. Animals after surgery develop more harmoniously, the amount of meat in the carcass increases.
At what age do bulls be castrated? If the calf is planned to be fattened and slaughtered, then the ideal time for the procedure is the 3rd month of life. If they want to use the bull first to work on the farm, then animals that have reached the age of 1.5-2 years are neutered. It is advisable to plan the operation in the fall or spring. At this time, it is easier to care for the wound, there are no insects, the ambient temperature is quite comfortable.
The economic effect of castration
The procedure changes the metabolism of the animal so that it begins to gain weight better. The meat of castrated bulls is devoid of a characteristic specific smell; it is more tasty and nutritious. If the animal is planned to be used for long fattening, then it is better to be neutered after 8 months.
If on the farm it is impossible to keep animals separately, then the procedure is carried out at an earlier age. It is noted that castrated bulls improve the quality of their coat. This is especially important for those farmers who hand over cow hides for production. Castrated bulls used for work are more hardy and calm. They are much less likely to show aggression towards a person, therefore it is easier to look after them. Castration of a bull improves its character and allows it to be kept on the farm longer.
Preparing the animal for surgery
Before the procedure, the veterinarian carefully examines the bull. Any disease is an occasion to postpone the procedure to another time. If the animal does not feel well, the castration of the bull is canceled. Before the procedure, temperature, pulse rate and respiration are measured. In the bull, the testes are examined to detect diseases such as dropsy, cryptorchidism, hermaphroditism, inguinal hernia.
Before castration, a healthy bull is prescribed a starvation diet for up to 24 hours. During this time, the animal is watered freely, but before the operation itself, water is taken. The bull should be well walked, making sure that it empties the intestines and bladder. The animal is cleaned of impurities. The stall containing the bull is thoroughly cleaned. The operation is usually planned in the morning.
Bull fixation
Before the operation begins, it is important that the animal takes a position in which it can not harm either the veterinarians or themselves. To castrate a bull, it must either be knocked down, or set so that it does not move. It is very important to create conditions so that the veterinarian can freely manipulate the animal, the success of the operation depends on this.
To fix in a standing position, the bull is tied to any structure. In villages, a strong fence is usually used for these purposes. The rope is tied up briefly, otherwise the bull will be able to move.
But more popular is the way in which the animal is fixed in a supine position. This method is also called Mikhailovsky or Russian. A strong long rope is pulled on the horns of a bull. This method requires the help of several people. Using a rope, the bull is laid on the ground and is well fixed.
Ligature method
Open castration of bulls is very popular on farms. The animal is thrown to the ground and fixed on its side. The skin on the testes is pulled until it becomes smooth. A scalpel makes incisions that cut through all layers of the skin on the scrotum.
After this, the testes are pushed out. A ligature is applied to the cords. After this, the testicles of the bull are removed. Experienced veterinarians recommend using another ligature, which is imposed just below the first. This will prevent slipping of the upper spermatic cord.
After castration, the bull is taken to his pen. In the early days, the condition of the animal should be monitored. For faster healing, veterinarians recommend lubricating the wound surface with ointments based on lysol or creolin. On the next day after the operation, the animal begins to be released on a paddock, first 30 minutes twice a day.
The messed up way
Many farmers prefer to perform bloodless castration of bulls. Previously, the hair on the scrotum is shaved or short cut. For this method, the area of the testes is treated with an alcohol solution. On the neck of the scrotum impose a loop from the ligature. Some farmers for this purpose use special gum for castration. The ligature loop is tightened very tightly with sticks tied to its ends.
In some cases, forceps are preliminarily placed on the neck of the scrotum. Usually a short exposure lasting no more than 5 minutes is sufficient. After that, a loop from the ligature is placed on the neck of the scrotum. After this, the organ ceases to be provided with blood, and its tissues gradually die. After a while, the scrotum completely dries up and falls off with the testes.
Castration with forceps
This method is most often used if the goby is very young. In older animals, this method is less commonly used. The veterinarian grasps the scrotum so that her skin smoothes out and makes an incision. Through the wound, the testes reach out.
Then the doctor puts forceps for castration of the bulls for about 1 minute. Then the tool is moved 2 cm lower. At this point, the spermatic cord is squeezed, and the vet twists the testicles.
Open castration method
Veterinarians use several methods of castration of bulls. The choice of the method of the operation depends on the age of the animal, its state of health and the skills of the doctor. Castration is considered the fastest open method. Before the operation, the animal is well fixed, and then all layers of the scrotum and vaginal membrane are cut. During the operation, the veterinarian uses a well-sharpened scalpel.
The testicle is pulled out, and behind it comes the spermatic cord. At this point, the thickened part of the transitional ligament is cut. A ligature is placed on the spermatic cord. Below her, the doctor cuts him 2 cm. The stump is treated with an antiseptic and poured with iodine.
Anesthesia
In young bulls, castration is most often performed without anesthesia. Older animals need analgesia. For these purposes, veterinarians use chloral hydrate and ethyl alcohol. These drugs have a good analgesic effect on calves. To prepare a solution per 100 kg of live weight, 7 g of chloral hydrate and 50 ml of alcohol with a strength of 33% are taken. The veterinarian should have a syringe with him to castrate the bull. The injection is carried out intravenously.
After administration to the animal, the solution is observed. To check for loss of sensitivity, use a needle used to prick a bull. Usually, under the influence of anesthesia, the animal calms down and lies on the ground.
Caring for the bull after surgery
The castrated animal is placed in a perfectly cleaned machine. The stall should be clean and dry. Under no circumstances should the operated animal be placed on a dirty wet litter; it may develop complications after castration. It is undesirable to use sawdust, especially small ones, they can get into the wound. The farmer should prepare the bull a bed of straw.
After castration, the veterinarian observes the animal for several days. The wound surface is treated several times a day to avoid suppuration. The bull should be provided with good nutrition, but in a moderate dosage. If there are a lot of flies in the room, then the animal is treated with solutions that repel insects. After castration, keep the bulls separately for 2-3 weeks. To avoid infection, they cannot be grazed on swampy pastures.
Possible complications
The most common undesirable consequence of castration is bleeding from the stump of the spermatic cord. In this case, urgently need to call a veterinarian and ask him to impose a ligature. Another dangerous complication of castration in bulls is bleeding from the vessels of the scrotum. In this case, a veterinarian is also invited. He ligatures on damaged vessels or hem the scrotum tissue.
Veterinarian's advice
It is impossible to castrate externally unhealthy animals. If the bull has fever or other signs of the disease, then the operation is postponed for at least a few days. Before the procedure, the farmer should prepare a place for it and clean the paddock in which the animal will be placed after castration.