General Questions for the Eze Bloodless Castrator
Live stock Castration
Regarding Castration with the Eze, XL or Tri-Band Bloodless Castrators.
2) Can I use the Band Castrators for Tail Docking and De-horning?
3) Do you offer any kind of Guarantee?
4) My latex Bands/Rings are getting darker in color or show cracking, why is this?
5) Why delay castrate?
6) Are there other Castrators on the market that castrate larger animals?
7) Do you have any idea as to why an animal may have been graded docked as a bull? (Other than by mistake)?
8) What is the proper way to store my vaccines?
9) Can I use the EZE Model T-1 on bulls older than 8 years?
10) I've noticed a Red spot on the Belly. Should I be concerned?
11) What about Water belly?
12) Can I use the EZE, XL or Tri-Bander for Pig ears?
13) Does it matter if the Castrator Rings (bands) or Clip get dirty?
14) Where should I administer the Band?
15) What kind of animals may I use the Castrators on?
16) After cutting the scrotum off in the prescribed time frame, I inadvertently removed the band. What now?
17) How long should I grain feed my animals before butchering?
18) 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?
20) Do I need to apply anything to the scrotum after Castrating or after cutting the scrotum off in the prescribed time?
19) An AG agent told me about surgical Castration (cutting). He said it was very important to remove all of the spermatic cord as he mentioned leaving some or all the cord can cause the calf to be classified as a stag.
21) When can or should I Castrate?
22) While cutting the scrotum off, I accidentally cut above the ring and clip, what should I do?
23) My animals are going to market, how soon after Castrating can I cut the scrotum off?
24) After Castrating, I have noticed swelling in the scrotum, why is this?
25) I have lost animals due to Tetanus, why is this?
26) What is the difference between Tetanus Toxoid and Tetanus Antitoxin?
27) Does it matter if the Castrator Rings,(bands) or Clip get dirty?
28) Where should I administer the Band?
1) What kind of animals may I use the Band Castrators on?
A) You may use them on Cattle, Rams and Goats. Other animals may be banded, but please confer with a Vet before proceeding. Banding is not recommended for domestic animals or horses.
2) Can I use the Band Castrators for Tail Docking and De-horning?
A) Yes you may. Docking Tails should generally be done within first couple months of life. Producers who have no experience in docking tails should consult with their veterinarian for a recommended procedure. Using the XL or "Tri-Band" Bander works great as it requires no clip.
B) De-horning is effective also. This will be very uncomfortable for the animal. If using the model T-1 Eze Bander, it may help to take one spreader bar off and or apply the band with the unit upside down. Beware that the animal may rub the band off and it will have to be reapplied. It will take awhile for the horn to fall off. May take up to 6 weeks.
3) Do you offer any kind of Guarantee?
A) YES! We offer a full 30-day Money Back Guarantee, less S & H or any bands that may have been used. We also warrant the product for one full year from date of purchase. Parts are available also.
4) My latex Bands/Rings are getting darker in color or show cracking, why is this?
A) This discoloration occurs naturally. You may still use them. If using a Band and it breaks when stretching, this is a sign that the bands are to old to use. Be sure to store your rings out of the sun, as ultraviolet rays deteriorate latex. Store Bands in a cool dark environment, preferably in a drawer. DO NOT store inside of a refrigerator. Also, keep rings warm when using. If you use them within a 1 1/2 years, and they have been stored properly you shouldn't have any trouble.
5) Why delay castrate?
A) The reason for delayed castration is the fact that the testicles produce testosterone, which produce muscle. This is the best free growth promotant there is and it's better than implants. Also bull calves out-gain steer calves by as much as 15%. Less stress on the animal and less possibility of infection.
6) Are there other Castrators on the market that castrate larger animals?
A) Yes there is. The deciding factor should be noted. Price, quality and personal preference. Although, our branders are cost effective, have square edges on the bands that prevent slipping and our bands are durable in comparisons to others on the market.
7) Do you have any idea as to why an animal may have been graded docked as a bull? (Other than by mistake).
A) They may be docked because of head size. The heavier the animal the larger the head. The head may have not had enough time to shrink.
B) Belly hair may trick them into thinking it is a bull. Trim belly hair before sending to market.
C) Castrating to late, which results in an animal being to masculine and not having enough time to grain to allow marbling.
D) Ask the individuals in charge. They may have different grading procedures.
8) What is the proper way to store my vaccines?
Phil Osborne
Animal Husbandry Specialist
WVU Extension Service
7/99
The use of vaccine to protect against costly losses from disease in the cow herd is an essential part of good herd management. These vaccines must be handled and stored properly if they are to be effective. Modified live vaccines are more sensitive to being mishandled. Good handling and storage procedures will ensure that you have few problems.
First, buy vaccine from a dealer who has good storage and handing practices. After purchase, store vaccine in a cool, dark place such as a refrigerator (not on the dash board of the pickup). Vaccines cannot stand warm temperatures and light. Care should be taken to ensure that the vaccine does not freeze, because this can ruin most vaccines.
Vaccines should be properly stored until they are ready for use. Expose only what vaccine is needed or will be used in about an hour. If there are several animals to be processed, keep vaccines in a cool insulated container and take them out as needed. Most modified live vaccines must be rehydrate by adding a sterile diluent to the freeze-dried material, which is vacuum-packaged. Because of this vacuum, the diluent can be pulled through a transfer needle into the vial containing the freeze-dried material.
After re-hydration modified live vaccines are good only a few hours under perfect conditions. Exposure to sunlight and heat will inactivate them very quickly. Alcohol or any disinfectant applied to the needle between animals can kill a modified live vaccine if only a drop remains in the needle. For this reason, when you use a modified live vaccine refrain from disinfecting the needle between animals. You should use disposable needles.
If you are using a syringe and needle to make the diluent transfer, use a clean syringe for this purpose to avoid contamination of the entire vial with the syringe you are vaccinating with. You should also maintain a clean needle for withdrawing vaccine from the vial, avoiding the possibility of contamination by using the needle you are vaccinating with.
Always read the label directions on the vaccine label and follow them. Manufacturers often mix vaccines for the convenience of the user; however, never mix vaccines since they may not be compatible. Proper handling and storage of vaccines will enhance the development of a strong immunity to the diseases you are vaccinating for.
9) Can I use the EZE Model T-1 on bulls older than 8 years?
A) Yes you can. It doesn't really matter how old the bulls are to castrate. The technique may have to be altered slightly because the scrotum and testicles are larger. So you may have to slip one testicle through at a time. The scrotum will fall off in the same time frame which is 20 - 40 days.
10) I've noticed a Red spot on the Belly. Should I be concerned?
A) Generally no. This is a result of the castration process. We aren't really sure what this is caused from specifically. Apply some pine tar or other antiseptic to the area to treat. Please contact a veterinarian if problem persists.
11) What about Water-belly?
A) No one really knows whether or not Water-belly is caused from band castration. It occurs more in some parts of the country and no cases in other parts. Please Select here for more info or do a search on it to access more info.
12) Can I use the EZE, XL or Tri-Bander for Pig ears?
A) Yes you can. It is great to "Dock" the ears to prevent Cauliflower ear. This is a condition when the ear fills with fluid and if not treated, the pig may die. Also, docking helps prevent the other pigs from picking at the ears.
13) Does it matter if the Castrator Rings (bands) or Clip get dirty?
A) YES! Be sure the rings and clips are kept free of any kind of contamination. This also applies to the Castrator and your hands. Keep a bucket of slightly soapy water available to wipe off the Castrator and bands if they become contaminated. The old saying is, “An ounce of prevention will save a pound of grief.”
14) Where should I administer the Band?
A) As far down from the belly as possible and just slightly above the testicles. Be sure you have both testicles below the band before tightening or releasing the band and inspect after every Castration to ensure the band is administered and placed properly. It will help to work the fatty tissue down prior to placing the band. Do this in a fashion as if you were milking a cow.
15) What kind of animals may I use the Castrators on?
A) You may use it on Cattle, Rams and Goats. Not recommended for domestic animals or horses. Also, Lamb tails, Pig ears and horns have been known to be banded.
16) After cutting the scrotum off in the prescribed time frame, I inadvertenly 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 up and 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.
17) 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.
18) 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.
20) 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 PINETAR to the scrotum will help protect from flies and infection.
19) An AG agent told me about surgical Castration (cutting). He said it was very important to remove all of the spermatic cord as he mentioned leaving some or all the cord can cause the calf to be classified as a stag.
A) No, the animal shouldn’t be classified as a stag. Most people have their own opinions in regards about certain subjects and it is just a matter of how they run their particular operation. Just ask to find out what is acceptable.
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. Always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about any procedures.
21) 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.
22) 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.
23) 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.
24) After Castrating, I have noticed swelling in the scrotum, why is this?
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 without 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.
25) I have lost animals due to Tetanus, why is this?
A) Although I am not a vet, I can only offer advice on possible reasons as to why this is occurring and from experience that I have received. Many people run their cattle operations differently and may be hard to pinpoint exactly why this is occurring. I will say that the animal may already have Tetanus or received shortly after and as a result is probably caused from the Castrating process. Whether it was a surgical method or band method, the results more than likely would have been the same. In some areas, Tetanus is more of a problem than others. In general, when administering a Tetanus shot, it doesn’t take full effect for a full week or two. And in many cases, if the shot isn’t a booster, then the strength of the shot may be decreased up to 60%. If you delay castrate, make sure you give a Tetanus Toxoid injection during the first vaccination period. We use Covexin 8 when doing this. Give another Tetanus Toxoid injection a minimum of two weeks prior to time of Castration and another at the time of Castration. This may vary according to your area. You may be able to just give a Tetanus Toxoid injection during the first vaccination and at the time of Castration. I quote from a box of Covexin® 8. “For Cl. Perfringens types B, C and D, re-vaccinate two weeks prior to parturition, introduction to lush pastures or finishing programs. Calves vaccinated under 3 months of age should be re-vaccinate at weaning or 4 to 6 months of age.
26) What is the difference between Tetanus Toxoid and Tetanus Antitoxin?
A) Tetanus Toxoid is administered to the animal to help build an immunity to Tetanus. After the injection, the Toxoid will start to take effect approximately 10 to 25 days, which is the time it takes tetanus to show up in the animal if present. The injection will stay in the system up to 2 to 3 months. Tetanus Antitoxin is administered to the animal if tetanus is present in the animal already or you suspect the animal of getting it. This antitoxin takes effect almost immediately after the injection and only stays in the system for up to 10 days.
27) Does it matter if the Castrator Rings/Bands or Clip get dirty?
A) YES! Be sure the rings and clips are kept free of any kind of contamination. This also applies to the Castrator and your hands. Keep a bucket of slightly soapy water available to wipe off the Castrator and hands if they become contaminated. The old saying is, "An ounce of prevention will save a pound of grief."
28) Where should I administer the Band?
A) As far down from the belly as possible. Just slightly above the testicles. Be sure you have both testicles below the band before tightening and inspect after every castration to ensure the band is administered and placed properly. It will help to work the fatty tissue down prior to placing the band. Do this in a fashion as if you were milking a cow.