Methods of castration

METHODS OF CASTRATION

There are two methods of castration is available.

  • Closed method of castration using Burdizzo castrator
  • Open method
    • Open uncovered method
    • Open covered method

Closed technique ie. using Burdizzo castrator

  • This method is used in cattle or buffalo bulls, stallion, ram and buck.
  • For this method Burdizzo castrator is used.

Burdizzo castrator - used for closed method of castration. The clamp of Burdizzo is designed to break the blood vessels leading to the testicles. Once the blood supply to the testicles is lost, testicular necrosis occurs and semen production stopped.

  • The Burdizzo castrator is used to crush the spermatic cords and associated blood vessels leading to the testicles thereby the blood supply to the testicles are arrested. This leads to degeneration and atrophy of the testicles.
  • 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 recommended method for castration by non-health professionals.

TOP

Points to be considered while using Burdizzo castrator

  • The Burdizzo castrator should be in good condition.
  • The jaws must be parallel and close uniformly across their width which will help in uniform distribution of pressure.
  • 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 bull (Click here to view picture), ram and bucks (Click here to view picture). The use of Burdizzos meant for cattle can tear the scrotal tissue and cause undesirable wounds.
  • During castration using Burdizzos markings can be seen 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.

TOP

Advantages

  • This method is preferred in working cattle because it will not produce any open wound.
  • It is very simple technique.

Disadvantages

  • The effect of castration will be observed over a period of time ie in about one month.

Instruments available

  • Burdizzo castrator with plain jaws
  • Burdizzo forceps with cord-stop jaws
    • The latter one is preferable.

TOP

Open method

  • Open uncovered method - Tunica vaginalis is incised and testis removed.
  • Open covered method - Tunica vaginalis is not incised. Testis is removed along with tunica vaginalis.

  • In the open uncovered method, the skin and tunica vaginalis are incised to expose the testicle and spermatic cord. The testicle is then removed by cutting spermatic cord.
  • In the open covered method the tunica vaginalis is not incised. The testis and spermatic cord are pulled out along with their covering of tunica vaginalis and the testicle covered with tunica vaginalis is removed by severing the spermatic cord as such.

TOP
Last modified: Thursday, 7 June 2012, 4:01 AM