Posted by Nat on January 16, 2001 at 13:39:29:
In Reply to: Wethering an older animal posted by Sherry on January 15, 2001 at 21:32:32:
There is a newer castrating device - I think its called the "EZE-bander" - it is a bigger version of the traditional elastrator. It was made for doing larger rambs, and bull calves that were too big for traditional green bands and from my experience with it, it was pretty eazy to use, and didn't seem to cause as much pain and stress as cutting/crimping, ect. Plus you don't need to sedate anyone. I think that Nasco Catalog has this, and the other larger livestock ones may too. It may cost a little at first but will pay for itself if you have to castrate alot of older animals, or you can see if any cattle farms in the area have one that you may be able to use.
It's very easy to use, and the calves that we did, hardly even jumped when the band got put on. I guess the testicles will drop off in a few weeks and there are no fly problems with it either.
Just thought I'd throw out another idea. The boys are tough, and the pain is over quick. I'd rather do it this way then worry about sedation problems.
-Nat's Little Bit Farm