Animal Health is always you first priority, especially when you are castrating.
1) After Castrating, I have noticed swelling in the scrotum, why is this?
2) My animals are going to market, how soon after castrating can I cut the scrotum off?
3) While cutting the scrotum off, I accidentally cut above the ring and clip, what should I do?
4) When can or should I castrate?
5) Do I need to apply anything to the scrotum after castrating or after cutting the scrotum off in the prescribed time?
6) An Ag agent told me about surgical castration (cutting). He said it was very important to remove all of the spermatic cord. According to him, leaving some or all of the cord can cause the calf to be classified as a stag.
7) I castrated my bull when he was 900 lbs. and started grain feeding a couple weeks later. When I butchered the animal he didn't have any marbling and was basically classified as a bull. Why is this?
8) How long should I grain feed my animals before butchering?
9) After cutting the scrotum off in the prescribed time frame, I also removed the band. What now?
A) The cause of the swelling is more than likely from being castrated. There may be some swelling above the band, but not a significant amount. This is generally from the fatty tissue in the scrotum and may sometimes rollover the band. If the swelling continues above the band, consult your veterinarian. If swelling is below the band, this is a result of the band not being administered tight enough.Re-administer another band immediately, if you are able too, over the existing band. "DO NOT" remove the existing band, leave it in place. If you are not able to put another band on, find an old inner tube. Cut a strip about 1" wide by 12" long. Wrap around the existing band as "Tight" as you can possibly get it several times then tie off the tubing. You may also use surgical tubing, but it is difficult to tie off with out the knot slipping. The ONLY reason a band isn't tight is from the band not being pulled off of the spreader bars and/or the tightening rod not being pulled back as far as it will go. This happens quit often with first time users or users who castrate a small number of livestock once per year and forget this step. A sign of the band not being pulled off of the spreader bars is the spreader bars will be bent inwards. If you feel comfortable, you may cut the scrotum off, BELOW THE BAND, then apply another band.
2) My animals are going to market, how soon after castrating can I cut the scrotum off?
A) You may cut the scrotum off 7 to 10 days after castrating. Be sure to cut a little bit BELOW the band, NOT ABOVE IT. Allow the band and clip to fall off naturally, which will happen 20 to 40 days after the band was administered.
3) While cutting the scrotum off, I accidentally cut above the ring and clip, what should I do?
A) Keep the animal confined, and call your Veterinarian immediately. Try to keep the animal from bleeding.
4) When can or should I castrate?
A) It depends on your operation. Some people like to castrate as soon as possible. This may be done as little as 300 lbs. A general rule of thumb is, when the animal starts showing signs of masculinity, weather it is physical appearance or in behavior, then it is time to castrate. Many people castrate when their bull calves are between 500 lbs. - 700 lbs. or around 5 - 7 months old.
5) Do I need to apply anything to the scrotum after castrating or after cutting the scrotum off in the prescribed time?
A) Generally no. Because everyone may manage their herds differently, consult the advice of your veterinarian. Although applying PINE-TAR to the scrotum will help protect from flies and infection.
6) An Ag agent told me about surgical castration (cutting). He said it was very important to remove all of the spermatic cord. According to him, leaving some or all of the cord can cause the calf to be classified as a stag.
A) No, the animal shouldn't be classified as a stage, although I can't speak for everyone. Most people have their opinions about certain things and it is just a matter of the place of business and how they run their operation. The key is to ask and find out what is acceptable and what is not.
If you decide to cut the scrotum off 7 - 10 days after castrating, you shouldn't have a problem with the cord. Occasionally the spermatic cord will still be present after the scrotum falls off 20 - 40 days. If by chance the cord is still hanging, either let it dry up, cut it, or push it back up inside. Although this type of thing doesn't always happen. Always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about any procedure.
7) I castrated my bull when he was 900 lbs. and started grain feeding a couple weeks later. When I butchered the animal he didn't have any marbling and was basically classified as a bull. Why is this?
A) One of two reasons. The first is from probably castrating to late. The bull had already started developing his masculinity at which time he was a bull, even though he had been castrated.
The other reason may be related to the first and not graining the animal long enough. But this may not help as the animal may already be of weight and ready for slaughter. At which time if you continue graining, you may just be throwing your money away.
8) How long should I grain feed my animals before butchering?
A) Again, many people run their operations differently. Generally a person may start anywhere from 90-120 days out. Usually you butcher the animal when it is 1150 lbs. to 1300 lbs.
9) After cutting the scrotum off in the prescribed time frame, I also removed the band. What now?
A) Generally, once the band has been removed, you can't do anything at this point. The skin should heal upand seal as normal. If bleeding occurs, it should stop and clot. If not, their isn't much you can do. As any case, you should call your vet for advice also.