A survey of the methods used by farmers to castrate calves in New Zealand

Abstract

Aims. To identify the methods used to castrate calves and the age at which castration is carried out on farms in New Zealand. Methods. A survey was carried out by questionnaire sent to the 14,000 recipients of “Meat Matters” produced by Meat New Zealand. The questionnaires on return were analysed on a national and regional basis. Results. Of the 3,788 respondents, 74% (2,825) castrated calves on their farms. Of these 2,825 respondents 85% (2,403) used a rubber ring, 18% (512) carried out surgical castration and only a few respondents, 25, used a clamp.The ring was used on calves with an average age of 2.2 months and 93% of calves castrated by ring were castrated during the first 3 months of life. Surgical castration was carried out on calves with an average age of 4.3 months, 54% of them were castrated in the first 3 months of life and 39% during the following 3 months. Respondents from the West Coast (40%), Otago (38%) and Southland (50%) were more likely to use surgical castration than respondents from elsewhere (<17%). Local anaesthetic was used by only 3% (94) of respondents and a similar percentage employed a veterinarian to do the castration. Conclusions. There are marked regional differences in methodology used for castration of calves. The survey gives a sound basis for future research into humane and cost effective methods.