Weaner castration technique 

Each month we like to share what our vets are seeing out in the field - hoping to provide pertinent information, tips and help for our large animal clientele. This month we focus on cattle castrations and a warning about the graphic photo content with this article - not for the squeamish!

Vet John takes up the story..."We have recently been called out to a number of properties to rectify unsuccessful castrations on a number of young bull calves.

These are often due to inappropriate methods being used for the age or size of the calf, or not performing the technique properly.

Commonly used techniques are either using rings or a surgical technique with a knife or scalpel blade.

A useful link can be found to an Agfact for castrating calves here: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/174167/castrating-calves.pdf

Particularly of note are the following:

-        Calves must not be castrated over 6 months of age without appropriate pain relief

-        The elastrator technique is recommended to be done at 2 weeks of age (this recommendation is likely to have been made when lamb marking rings were commonly used, however, it does illustrate that the earlier the better if using rings).

-        If using elastrator rings they should be new and have been kept out of very hot conditions (i.e. the dashboard of the farm ute is not ideal!)

-        With the surgical technique, the incision must be large enough to ensure good drainage.

A report from the CSIRO comparing techniques found that behavioural responses suggested calves were more painful with surgical technique versus rings during the first 1-3 days, but pain persisted until 2-3 weeks with rings with evidence of infection and delayed wound healing.

In general, the main thing is to consider what technique best suits the individual farmer, and then ensuring that castration is done at the best possible time (generally, the earlier the better) with appropriate equipment."

With significant early Summer rainfall experienced across much of southern Australia recently, horse owners are warned that fly and flying insect populations are likely to be in abundance this season. 

Flies and biting insects can be equally distressing for horse and owner. Affected horses may be very unsettled, show constant head tossing, biting, stomping or kicking, evasive activity, and a reluctance to eat. 

In addition to the irritation and worry, flies can act as vectors for some bacterial diseases and can also spread the parasitic skin condition known as Habronema or “Summer sores”. Biting insects such as mosquitos can carry viruses called arboviruses. Sporadic cases have been suspected in southern Australia, usually coinciding with periods of very high mosquito activity after a high rainfall period. Arbovirus affected horses may present with neurological signs in horses such as wobbling, and sometimes lethargy and joint pain. 

How can you reduce the impact of flies and biting insects? 

Ensure good paddock and stable hygiene; pick up manure regularly to reduce fly attraction and breeding sites. Eliminate or avoid stagnant water sources as these can be a breeding ground for flying insects such as mosquitos. Protective rugging and masks may provide your horse some relief.

There are a number of topical insecticide treatments available for livestock - these may not necessarily be safe for use in horses, and veterinary advice should always be sought regarding their use. 

With a mission to empower farmers to breed better livestock. SmartShepherd has developed a smart tag which substantially decreases the barrier of entry to full pedigree recording and reduction of inbreeding. The SmartShepherd system functions with all large free-range livestock, including sheep, cattle and goats.

A recent field trial at Center Plus, Tullamore, Central NSW has delivered a result of 96% accuracy when compared against existing farmer pedigree records, and this was accomplished within 48 hours. SmartShepherd Co-Founder and CEO Dave Rubie said, “We are very pleased that we have been able to surpass the industry expected accuracy within 48 hours of the smart tags being attached to the sheep, and are excited to make our world-first solution available to livestock farmers.”

Centre Plus ram breeding nucleus manager, Mark Mortimer said, “I was able to get the same results in 2 days with the SmartShepherd tags that I would normally expect to get in 15 to 20 days with the pedigree match maker system. I think the real advantage of the SmartShepherd system is that you are not reliant on the sheep coming into water to get your tag read. In wet years I have struggled to get our current system to work. I can see the SmartShepherd system working in all environments and any time of the year.”

Glenn Vassallo said, “I think the results speak for themselves, and are a testament to what can be achieved when the livestock industry and the technology industry combine forces. We are looking forward to building on our success and demonstrating what Australian innovation is all about.”

SmartShepherd is now taking inquires and orders from their website.