كنان برجيه
10-12-2010, 03:10 PM
CASTRATION OF SHEEP AND GOATS
. WHY CASTRATE SHEEP AND GOATS?
Castration is an important management practice for sheep and goat farmers to maintain control of
their breeding program and successfully carry out breed improvement. Castration is the removal or
destruction of the testes, epididymis and a portion of each spermatic cord from a ram/buck. In most
cases, non-breeding males and males not slaughtered at a young age should be castrated.
Traditionally, farmers do not castrate animals and both males and females are allowed to run
together. The result is that inferior males mate with females passing on undesirable traits and the
young stock produced are not very productive. There are also other reasons for castrating sheep and
goats:
prevent breeding of related individuals (inbreeding) that can result in genetic defects, poor
growth rate, and other problems (see Technical Bulletin 14 Genetic Improvement of Sheep
and Goats at the Village Level);
avoid unwanted pregnancies and the mating of young females before they are of adequate
size and age for pregnancy and parturition.
enhance on-farm safety for animals, producers and employees. Castrated animals are usually
less aggressive and easier to manage.
Reduce goaty smell: meat from castrated males has less ‘goaty smell’ or tainted odor in the
meat from intact bucks.
Carcass composition and weight development: This is one of the main effects of castration.
In general, the following effects are noted:
_ carcasses from castrated sheep/goats have more fat tissue; and
_ castration could retard growth and reduce the quantity of lean meat if done late (after 6
months of age).
2. AGE OF CASTRATING SHEEP AND GOATS
Castration should take place at the youngest age possible since the stress of castration can adversely
affect growth in older animals. Lambs/kids can be castrated as soon as the testicles descend into the
scrotum (this can be from a few days of age to three weeks) and no sedation or pain killers are
necessary if castration is done at this age. Castration becomes more difficult and painful with age
and the chances of complications increase. Further, castration is accomplished more easily and the
wound heals more quickly in very young animals. Castration should ideally be done at less than 3
weeks of age. Under Ethiopian conditions this is not usually the case. Many farmers prefer to
2
castrate male sheep/goats at a later age; in most cases after sexual maturity is attained (yearling to 2
years old). The reason given for this is that early castration can cause stunted growth, resulting in a
lack off desired muscling and conformation, leading to a low market price. In Ethiopia there is a
niche market for animals that are fattened to very high weight and condition.
3. HOLDING AND CONTROLLING ANIMALS FOR CASTRATION
Because good restraint is essential, castration requires two people. One person to hold the
animal while the other one castrates. It is best to put young lambs and kids on a table
covered with sacks or on baled hay. The person holding the animal sets it on its butt or tail in
an upright position in his lap or stands or kneels behind the animal. He should then grasp the
front and back legs at the knee and hock on each side, holding firmly. The animal should
have its back to the assistant.
Figure1. Proper restraint of sheep/goats for castration
4. METHODS OF CASTRATION
There are three commonly used methods of castration for sheep/goats: the Burdizzo method, the
banding or elastrator method and the knife (surgical) method. The different methods are more
suitable for different sizes and age of animals, e.g., the elastrator method being more suitable to very
young animals. It is good to match castration method to size and age of animal.
4.1. THE BURDIZZO (EMASCULATOME) METHOD
The Burdizzo is an instrument used to crush the spermatic cords and associated blood vessels
leading to the testicles, thus destroying the blood supply for the testes. Without this blood supply, the
testicles degenerate and atrophy. This method is known as a "bloodless" method since no cutting is
done and when done properly even the skin is not broken. While no castration method is completely
painless, the least painful is the Burdizzo method. Castration with this method can be done at any
time; but when done at a later age, it may bring about a temporary shock in growth. This is the
The Burdizzo must be in good condition. The jaws must be parallel and close uniformly
across their width so pressure will be evenly distributed. Keep the Burdizzo clean and oiled. Leave it
slightly open when not in use. There are Burdizzos for animals of different sizes. Use the right size
of burdizzo for sheep and goats. The use of burdizzos meant for cattle can tear the scrotal tissue and
cause undesirable wounds.
Step 1. The animal should be properly restrained
by the assistant. The operator grasps the scrotum
in one hand and manipulates the testes down into
the scrotum. He then locates the two spermatic
cords between the fingers and pushes one cord
over to one side of the scrotum. This is the first
cord
Step 2. Place the jaws of the burdizzo onto the
upper scrotum, leaving the rudimentary teats
above the crushing point. Do not crush the
septum or tissue between the testicles. Rather,
do one side of the scrotum at a time.
Step 3. Clamp the burdizzo over the cord on the
side of the scrotum you are doing first. You cun
generally hear a clicking sound as the cord is
crushed. Leave the instrument closed for 20 to
25 seconds or the time it takes to count from one
to 25. The spermatic cord is very elusive when
you try to crush it. Be sure that you feel it within
the jaws of the burdizzo before and after the
jaws are closed. You can tug on the cord to see
if it feels ruptured.
Step 4. Release the Burdizzo, move it lower to a
new site about 1 cm closer to the testicles and
close it again to be doubly sure that the cord is
crushed. A site below the first crush is chosen to
minimize acute pain from a second crush.
Step 5. Locate the cord on the other side of the
scrotum and position the burdizzo over it. Close
the burdizzo and repeat what you did with the
first cord.
Step 6. When you are done, you may see a mark
on each side of the scrotum. The animal may be
sore and move slowly for about a day. Be sure to
encourage it to move around. At first the scrotum
will swell up a little, but the testicles will gradually
shrink over the next few weeks leaving a small
scrotal sac.
Even though this is supposed to be a bloodless
method, it is possible to break skin with the corners
of the burdizzo. Examine each crushed area
carefully after castration. If the skin is broken,
apply an antiseptic like alcohol. Also give an
injection of tetanus antitoxin if available.
4.2. THE BANDING OR ELASTRATOR METHOD
This method involves cutting off the blood supply to the testicles with a heavy-duty rubber band or
ring. Materials needed include an elastrator and castrating bands. An elastrator is a special applicator
that stretches a heavy-duty rubber band and applies it to the neck of the scrotum. The scrotum and
testes will fall off in two to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the testicles. This method is most
effective for young animals whose scrotal tissues have not yet become well developed, preferably
while they are 7 to 10 days of age and definitely before 6 weeks old. This is an easy method of
castration provided a continuous supply of rings is available. When using the band for castrating, be
sure to check that both testicles are in the scrotum below the band. Animals castrated by this method
will have a female-like appearance because of early castration. One caution in the use of this method
is the potential for tetanus to occur prior to the scrotum falling off. The risk increases with increasing
age of animals castrated.
This method causes some stress to the animal due to the pain and discomfort experienced by the
constricting band, especially for 10 to 15 minutes after the elastrator band is applied. Follow these
procedures to castrate lambs/kids using the elastrator method:
Do not use rings older than 12 months to avoid breakage and to assure a tight fit. The rings
must be strong enough to cut off blood flow in the arteries as well as the veins. If not, the
scrotum will swell.
Restrain the animal as described above.
Place a rubber ring over the prongs of the elastrator. Hold the elastrator with the prongs
facing up. Close the handles to open the band. The scrotum and testicles are then passed
through the expanded hole of the band. Position it as close to the animal's body as possible,
with care taken not to place the band over the rudimentary teats or involve the penis.
Release the elastrators displacing the ring from the prongs, thereby positioning the band. The
band will return to its original shape cutting off circulation to the testicles and eventually
causing all of the tissue below the band to die and fall off.
Check to be sure both testicles are still in the tip of the scrotum and that the ring is placed
properly (Figure 8). If not, cut the ring with scissors and repeat the procedure.
Administer an injection of tetanus antitoxin. Even though this is a bloodless procedure, the
tetanus organism can gain entry through the irritated tissue around the rubber ring.
Check daily to be sure that the rubber band is still around the neck of the scrotum and for
signs of infection.
. WHY CASTRATE SHEEP AND GOATS?
Castration is an important management practice for sheep and goat farmers to maintain control of
their breeding program and successfully carry out breed improvement. Castration is the removal or
destruction of the testes, epididymis and a portion of each spermatic cord from a ram/buck. In most
cases, non-breeding males and males not slaughtered at a young age should be castrated.
Traditionally, farmers do not castrate animals and both males and females are allowed to run
together. The result is that inferior males mate with females passing on undesirable traits and the
young stock produced are not very productive. There are also other reasons for castrating sheep and
goats:
prevent breeding of related individuals (inbreeding) that can result in genetic defects, poor
growth rate, and other problems (see Technical Bulletin 14 Genetic Improvement of Sheep
and Goats at the Village Level);
avoid unwanted pregnancies and the mating of young females before they are of adequate
size and age for pregnancy and parturition.
enhance on-farm safety for animals, producers and employees. Castrated animals are usually
less aggressive and easier to manage.
Reduce goaty smell: meat from castrated males has less ‘goaty smell’ or tainted odor in the
meat from intact bucks.
Carcass composition and weight development: This is one of the main effects of castration.
In general, the following effects are noted:
_ carcasses from castrated sheep/goats have more fat tissue; and
_ castration could retard growth and reduce the quantity of lean meat if done late (after 6
months of age).
2. AGE OF CASTRATING SHEEP AND GOATS
Castration should take place at the youngest age possible since the stress of castration can adversely
affect growth in older animals. Lambs/kids can be castrated as soon as the testicles descend into the
scrotum (this can be from a few days of age to three weeks) and no sedation or pain killers are
necessary if castration is done at this age. Castration becomes more difficult and painful with age
and the chances of complications increase. Further, castration is accomplished more easily and the
wound heals more quickly in very young animals. Castration should ideally be done at less than 3
weeks of age. Under Ethiopian conditions this is not usually the case. Many farmers prefer to
2
castrate male sheep/goats at a later age; in most cases after sexual maturity is attained (yearling to 2
years old). The reason given for this is that early castration can cause stunted growth, resulting in a
lack off desired muscling and conformation, leading to a low market price. In Ethiopia there is a
niche market for animals that are fattened to very high weight and condition.
3. HOLDING AND CONTROLLING ANIMALS FOR CASTRATION
Because good restraint is essential, castration requires two people. One person to hold the
animal while the other one castrates. It is best to put young lambs and kids on a table
covered with sacks or on baled hay. The person holding the animal sets it on its butt or tail in
an upright position in his lap or stands or kneels behind the animal. He should then grasp the
front and back legs at the knee and hock on each side, holding firmly. The animal should
have its back to the assistant.
Figure1. Proper restraint of sheep/goats for castration
4. METHODS OF CASTRATION
There are three commonly used methods of castration for sheep/goats: the Burdizzo method, the
banding or elastrator method and the knife (surgical) method. The different methods are more
suitable for different sizes and age of animals, e.g., the elastrator method being more suitable to very
young animals. It is good to match castration method to size and age of animal.
4.1. THE BURDIZZO (EMASCULATOME) METHOD
The Burdizzo is an instrument used to crush the spermatic cords and associated blood vessels
leading to the testicles, thus destroying the blood supply for the testes. Without this blood supply, the
testicles degenerate and atrophy. This method is known as a "bloodless" method since no cutting is
done and when done properly even the skin is not broken. While no castration method is completely
painless, the least painful is the Burdizzo method. Castration with this method can be done at any
time; but when done at a later age, it may bring about a temporary shock in growth. This is the
The Burdizzo must be in good condition. The jaws must be parallel and close uniformly
across their width so pressure will be evenly distributed. Keep the Burdizzo clean and oiled. Leave it
slightly open when not in use. There are Burdizzos for animals of different sizes. Use the right size
of burdizzo for sheep and goats. The use of burdizzos meant for cattle can tear the scrotal tissue and
cause undesirable wounds.
Step 1. The animal should be properly restrained
by the assistant. The operator grasps the scrotum
in one hand and manipulates the testes down into
the scrotum. He then locates the two spermatic
cords between the fingers and pushes one cord
over to one side of the scrotum. This is the first
cord
Step 2. Place the jaws of the burdizzo onto the
upper scrotum, leaving the rudimentary teats
above the crushing point. Do not crush the
septum or tissue between the testicles. Rather,
do one side of the scrotum at a time.
Step 3. Clamp the burdizzo over the cord on the
side of the scrotum you are doing first. You cun
generally hear a clicking sound as the cord is
crushed. Leave the instrument closed for 20 to
25 seconds or the time it takes to count from one
to 25. The spermatic cord is very elusive when
you try to crush it. Be sure that you feel it within
the jaws of the burdizzo before and after the
jaws are closed. You can tug on the cord to see
if it feels ruptured.
Step 4. Release the Burdizzo, move it lower to a
new site about 1 cm closer to the testicles and
close it again to be doubly sure that the cord is
crushed. A site below the first crush is chosen to
minimize acute pain from a second crush.
Step 5. Locate the cord on the other side of the
scrotum and position the burdizzo over it. Close
the burdizzo and repeat what you did with the
first cord.
Step 6. When you are done, you may see a mark
on each side of the scrotum. The animal may be
sore and move slowly for about a day. Be sure to
encourage it to move around. At first the scrotum
will swell up a little, but the testicles will gradually
shrink over the next few weeks leaving a small
scrotal sac.
Even though this is supposed to be a bloodless
method, it is possible to break skin with the corners
of the burdizzo. Examine each crushed area
carefully after castration. If the skin is broken,
apply an antiseptic like alcohol. Also give an
injection of tetanus antitoxin if available.
4.2. THE BANDING OR ELASTRATOR METHOD
This method involves cutting off the blood supply to the testicles with a heavy-duty rubber band or
ring. Materials needed include an elastrator and castrating bands. An elastrator is a special applicator
that stretches a heavy-duty rubber band and applies it to the neck of the scrotum. The scrotum and
testes will fall off in two to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the testicles. This method is most
effective for young animals whose scrotal tissues have not yet become well developed, preferably
while they are 7 to 10 days of age and definitely before 6 weeks old. This is an easy method of
castration provided a continuous supply of rings is available. When using the band for castrating, be
sure to check that both testicles are in the scrotum below the band. Animals castrated by this method
will have a female-like appearance because of early castration. One caution in the use of this method
is the potential for tetanus to occur prior to the scrotum falling off. The risk increases with increasing
age of animals castrated.
This method causes some stress to the animal due to the pain and discomfort experienced by the
constricting band, especially for 10 to 15 minutes after the elastrator band is applied. Follow these
procedures to castrate lambs/kids using the elastrator method:
Do not use rings older than 12 months to avoid breakage and to assure a tight fit. The rings
must be strong enough to cut off blood flow in the arteries as well as the veins. If not, the
scrotum will swell.
Restrain the animal as described above.
Place a rubber ring over the prongs of the elastrator. Hold the elastrator with the prongs
facing up. Close the handles to open the band. The scrotum and testicles are then passed
through the expanded hole of the band. Position it as close to the animal's body as possible,
with care taken not to place the band over the rudimentary teats or involve the penis.
Release the elastrators displacing the ring from the prongs, thereby positioning the band. The
band will return to its original shape cutting off circulation to the testicles and eventually
causing all of the tissue below the band to die and fall off.
Check to be sure both testicles are still in the tip of the scrotum and that the ring is placed
properly (Figure 8). If not, cut the ring with scissors and repeat the procedure.
Administer an injection of tetanus antitoxin. Even though this is a bloodless procedure, the
tetanus organism can gain entry through the irritated tissue around the rubber ring.
Check daily to be sure that the rubber band is still around the neck of the scrotum and for
signs of infection.