Castrating Suckler calves with rings

jfh

Hi all,
looking to make things easier, anyone here use the rings for castrating calves?
if so would it set them back much? i know when we ring lambs, they can be uncomfortable for a few days.
thanks

manjou

Doing this last 3 years and good job. First year left some entire and weighed at weaning bulls about 20 kilos heavier than bullocks but when squeezes bulls went back and bullocks dident and when sold at 13 months bullocks were all alot heavier than ones that were casterated.

Sami23

manjou wrote: »

Doing this last 3 years and good job. First year left some entire and weighed at weaning bulls about 20 kilos heavier than bullocks but when squeezes bulls went back and bullocks dident and when sold at 13 months bullocks were all alot heavier than ones that were casterated.

Was thinking of trying this myself this year.
Do you just use lambs rings to do it us there calf's ring's ?
Also, how soon after calving so you do it ?
Thanks

farawaygrass

manjou wrote: »

Doing this last 3 years and good job. First year left some entire and weighed at weaning bulls about 20 kilos heavier than bullocks but when squeezes bulls went back and bullocks dident and when sold at 13 months bullocks were all alot heavier than ones that were casterated.

Do you mind me asking are you a suckler man or dairy calves? Any comments when you were selling them?

_Brian

We were all ready to do it a few years ago, happened to mention it to the vet and they advised against it... claim they've seen alot of complications as a result.. put me off doing it..

manjou

Using lamb rings and do as soon as possible after calving. There all suckler calves and selling as stores or fattened depending on mart prices Never tried selling as weanlings so dont know if would work for this market but if keeping for longer makes life easier on man and beast.

L1985

We have been doing it the last 2years no complications touch wood. Havnt seen any difference in thriving and we sometimes buy in calves and raise them with them-never notice a difference between the ones we ring and the bought ones in that are squeezed. We do it the day they are born. So much easier we wouldn't go back tbh.

Sami23

L1985 wrote: »

We have been doing it the last 2years no complications touch wood. Havnt seen any difference in thriving and we sometimes buy in calves and raise them with them-never notice a difference between the ones we ring and the bought ones in that are squeezed. We do it the day they are born. So much easier we wouldn't go back tbh.

Do you need to give da calf an injection or just work away like da lambs ?

L1985

Just work away no injection doesn't seem to cause them any pain or discomfort. Our yearlings did v well weight wise dad was just commenting on it so honestly don't think it costs them anything we don't weigh regularly or anything so can't be too scientific thou.

Sami23

L1985 wrote: »

Just work away no injection doesn't seem to cause them any pain or discomfort. Our yearlings did v well weight wise dad was just commenting on it so honestly don't think it costs them anything we don't weigh regularly or anything so can't be too scientific thou.

Thanks for that. Gonna try it this year

KatyMac

While he was able to my Dad always ringed the bull calves as soon as they were born. Made life very easy as a baby is a lot easier to handle than a bigger animal.
I was put off for a couple of years because the first time I did I made a bit of a mess that the vet had to sort out! I missed the testicle in two calves and it was awkward to castrate them properly - hence the vet.
But once you make sure the ring is in the correct place it is a great job.

einn32

Good job the rings as long as they are put on right. Safer too.

eljay

I used to do it but it spoils the look of the animal when finished and ready for factory it look like a heifer as weanlings farmers are slow to buy because seem missing namely the bag

J.O. Farmer

eljay wrote: »

I used to do it but it spoils the look of the animal when finished and ready for factory it look like a heifer as weanlings farmers are slow to buy because seem missing namely the bag

Surely the look of the animal when ready for the factory doesn't matter. Factories pay on weight and grade or were you selling in the mart. In the mart appearance does come into it.

I would think if you sell weanlings you'd be better not castrating. You do extra work and temporarily set back the animal while you own him and if he hasn't caught up at sale your losing money. Also the appearance isn't right your losing money. This is only suitable for a suckler to beef system but in that system it's probably the best way to go.

Sam Kade

I got the vet to band 14 month old Bulls a few times, no problems and no setbacks.

barnaman

Sam Kade wrote: »

I got the vet to band 14 month old Bulls a few times, no problems and no setbacks.

Surprised as thought could only band calves up to a week old (not sure what anastetic give once over a week); interesting to know no setback. Often wondered could you castrate bulls at 24 months and sell as steers; no upper age limit on castration.

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/legislation/statutoryinstruments2014/SI107of2014130314.pdf

barnaman

http://www.nadis.org.uk/bulletins/castration-of-calves.aspx

Decent read

grassroot1

Could you not castrate them with a lamb burdizzo when you dehorn them?

bogman_bass

barnaman wrote: »

Surprised as thought could only band calves up to a week old (not sure what anastetic give once over a week); interesting to know no setback. Often wondered could you castrate bulls at 24 months and sell as steers; no upper age limit on castration.

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/legislation/statutoryinstruments2014/SI107of2014130314.pdf

Banding as opposed to using rings. Different set up

greenpetrol

bogman_bass wrote: »

Banding as opposed to using rings. Different set up

I was under the impression it was the same ? How are they different? I'd be interested in Banding older bulls if it was safe

Sam Kade

bogman_bass wrote: »

Banding as opposed to using rings. Different set up

How is it different other than putting on a bigger band to serve the same purpose?

Sam Kade

greenpetrol wrote: »

I was under the impression it was the same ? How are they different? I'd be interested in Banding older bulls if it was safe

It's safe out only make sure they got their two initial vaccines for blackleg as calves and another shot at 1 year old.

bogman_bass

Sam Kade wrote: »

How is it different other than putting on a bigger band to serve the same purpose?

same mode of action but different equipment.

OP is talking about using lamb rings on week old calves.

banding older cattle doesnt use a ring you slip on but a band that you then tighten and then hold on with a clip