Elastration

Elastration is a method of castration commonly used for livestock. Elastration is simply banding the testicles of the male until they drop off. In particular, it is the most common method used for sheep and goats, [ [http://www.pipevet.com/articles/Baby_Lamb_Processing.htm Baby Lamb Processing ] ] but is also common in cattle. [ [http://www.thecattlemanmagazine.com/issues/2003/1003/SoonerBetter.asp Cattleman Article ] ] This method is favored for its simplicity, low cost, and minimal training requirements. Elastration simply involves restraining the animal, without the need for anaesthesia or sedation (unlike most other castration methods), in a position that provides access to the genitals. A special tool, called an elastrator plier, is then used to place a tight latex (rubber) ring, called an "elastrator ring", [*cite book
last = Cottle
first = D.J.
title = Australian Sheep and Wool Handbook
publisher = Inkata Press
date = 1991
location = Melbourne, Australia
pages = 20-23
id = ISBN 0-909605-60-2 ] gently around the base of the scrotum. The blood supply to the scrotum and testes is cut off – the scrotum shrivels within a few days, and usually drops off within a week or two. Elastration is not normally used for castrations done after the first few weeks of life, nor for animals which do not have suitably shaped scrotums, such as pigs or horses. It is of course not effective for individuals in whom both testes have not descended properly.

Elastration is considered by some to be the least humane method of castration practiced commercially.Fiasco Farms. Goat Health & Husbandry. [http://fiascofarm.com/goats/buck-wether-info.htm#Banding Male Goat Information: Bucks & Wethers] . Retrieved 6 Oct 2008.]

Practitioners usually try to elastrate as soon as possible, once the testicles have descended, to reduce the amount of dead tissue, infection, and accompanying complications. [ [http://www.thecattlemanmagazine.com/issues/2003/1003/SoonerBetter.asp Cattleman Article ] ] However, with some animals such as goats, castrating too early increases the frequency of kidney stones and urinary problems due to reduced size of the urethra, so elastration may be postponed.

If bull calves are castrated too early by this method (within the first one or two days) the testes may sometimes be small and soft enough to be drawn up through the ring, and they then continue to develop above the scrotum – surgical castration then becomes necessary. Care is needed with bull calves at any age to ensure that both testes are properly inside the scrotum, and to avoid including the rear two nipples within the ring.

Lambs' tails

The same tool and rings are also used to dock part of the tails of many breeds of sheep, to prevent dung building up on the tails (which can lead to fly strike). This is usually done at the same time as castration of the ram lambs.

ee also

*Animal husbandry

References