Bull calf when to castrate/ ring or squeeze

Wessel3

Have a jex bull calf in with aa heifers they're around 4-5 months. I don't want one being served or something daft. Question.
When to squeeze him or ring him or preference? Would the fact they're grazing mean I'd have to wait til they're house with no flies etc? Ta

Water John

I'd squeeze him straight away. There is no skin break. Treat them all for flies.
Banding is good on stronger animals.

cacs

I had one year old bulls to squeeze last year and my vet squeezed them as normal said the best time to squeeze them is when are out on the land with plenty of exercise.
Also he said something about banding can cause black leg I think

Wessel3

He was jumping them earlier. Would banding him work ok.and be handy

Water John

Both methods take time, a few weeks, to work. I used banding on strong bulls one year and was quite pleased, no stress setback.

Wessel3

Are they the same rings used for lambs? Would anesthetic be required

Water John

They're rubber bands, for cattle only, put on with a special ratchet.
Either way, it's the animal into the crush. Vet used them as the yearling bulls were too strong.

Base price

Wessel3 wrote: »

Are they the same rings used for lambs? Would anesthetic be required

You really need to consult your vet. Banding of bull calves over a week or so must by law be done by a vet.

Wessel3

Think I'll be going for the squeezing route as I've heard issues with tetany and blackleg.

Anyone recommend age to squeeze them as I've heifers in with them. Don't want any unplanned services. Someone told me not too till they're a year old. Is that too late?

Water John

Far too late. A six month suckler male or female can be active. Had one calved at 15 months.

Wessel3

thanks water john, I don't want that to happen.
people have been saying to me that squeezing the bulls younger than 1 yr old will set them back , but I don't want heifer served by them

Wessel3

has anyone ran entire bulls and heifer calves together til a year old? I don't think il chance it , any negative performance from squeezing at 3-4-5 months?

Water John

No castrated calf, has the growth performance of a entire male calf.

Biscuitus

I squeeze at 3-4 months since the bigger bull calves start mimicking the stock bull and pestering all the heifers and cows. I've seen 5 month old heifers come in heat so its best to get the bulls done early as you can.

I've done a couple of hundred at this stage and I've never drawn blood even with cracked ones jumping about. A bordizo is designed so it doesn't break the skin. You can always spray some alamycin on them if you are worried.