A survey of the methods used by farmers to castrate calves in New Zealand

Authors: Stafford KJ, Mellor DJ, McMeekan CM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 48, Issue 1, pp 16-19, Feb 2000
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Animal welfare, Biosecurity, Surgery, Husbandry/husbandry procedures, Disease surveillance, Reproduction, Reproduction - male
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: AIMS: To identify the methods used to castrate calves and the age at which castration is carried out on farms in New Zealand.
METHODS: A survey was carried out by questionnaire sent to the 14,000 recipients of “Meat Matters” produced by Meat New Zealand. The questionnaires on return were analysed on a national and regional basis.
RESULTS: Of the 3,788 respondents, 74% (2,825) castrated calves on their farms. Of these 2,825 respondents 85% (2,403) used a rubber ring, 18% (512) carried out surgical castration and only a few respondents, 25, used a clamp. The ring was used on calves with an average age of 2.2 months and 93% of calves castrated by ring were castrated during the first 3 months of life. Surgical castration was carried out on calves with an average age of 4.3 months, 54% of them were castrated in the first 3 months of life and 39% during the following 3 months. Respondents from the West Coast (40%), Otago (38%) and Southland (50%) were more likely to use surgical castration than respondents from elsewhere (<17%). Local anaesthetic was used by only 3% (94) of respondents and a similar percentage employed a veterinarian to do the castration.
CONCLUSIONS: There are marked regional differences in methodology used for castration of calves. The survey gives a sound basis for future research into humane and cost effective methods.
KEY WORDS: Castration, calves, questionnaire, survey, humane.

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