Castrating larger bull calves

[almoy]

Have a couple of 700 lb bull calves that were missed. Born late in the pasture. What is the best to do? Open cut or band? Also they have had no vaccinations. Some say not to band them if they haven't been vaccinated others say to vaccinate them when you band them.

[kato]

Cut them. Use an emasculator so they don't bleed too much. If they are banded, they will have open wounds when the flies are out. You really don't want that.

[kato]

If you band them and then cut the sac off about an inch below the rubber 7 or 8 days past castration day, you can help eliminate fly problems, and the horrible smell. Be prepared for a smelly job and have a good knife.

[almoy]

We were debating putting them on the market intact. Have seen some go through the ring at not a bad price. Usually we take care of the late ones at weaning but circumstances prevented us from doing it last fall.

[Muttley]

I have done bulls with the band as big as 1400 lbs. I do a few 700 lbs. bulls each fall to. I leave the band on till it has dried, sometimes as long as 3 or 4 weeks. Cut it just below the band, no blood no open wounds if you have let it dry up enough. The bigger bulls need longer. It sure does stink, but the extra buck is worth it!!!!