Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 12.9
Restraint of a kid by a disbudding
box. Redrawn by Zeke Proctor from the Meat
Goat Handbook. Edited by T.A. Gipson, R.C.
Merkel, K. Williams, and T. Sahlu.
Figure 12.8
Elastrator band applied to the neck
of the scrotum. Drawn by Zeke Proctor.
the scrotal sac and fi nd the spermatic cord. Place the
Burdizzo clamp over the spermatic cord one-third of the
way down the neck of the scrotum. Clamp down and hold
for 15-20 seconds. Release the clamp, reposition it over
the spermatic cord 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) below and repeat the
procedure. Perform the same steps on the other side to
crush the other spermatic cord.
Complications associated with the use of an emacula-
tome include tetanus, damage of the penis, swelling, and
failure of the testicle and scrotum to atrophy and slough
(Dawson, 2007b; Hooper, 1998; Smith and Sherman,
1994 ).
2 hours after banding. Kids are usually monitored for uri-
nation, appetite, and discomfort for the fi rst 24 hours. This
method has a higher risk of tetanus than other methods of
castration. If the practice is to band kids at less than 3
weeks of age, make sure the does are vaccinated for tetanus
3-4 weeks before kidding. This will protect the kids from
tetanus through ingestion of colostrum. Some prefer to
give the kids a tetanus antigen and an injection of Procaine
Penicillin (or any approved antibiotic for goats) at the time
of banding, if the does were not vaccinated prior to kidding
(Dawson, 2007b ; Hooper, 1998 ).
DISBUDDING
Disbudding or dehorning is a management practice usually
done for dairy goats, show goats, and goats used as com-
panion animals. The ideal time to disbud kids is from 3
days to 3 weeks of age. A disbudding box is used to
restrain these kids (Figure 12.9). Mild sedation or a cornual
nerve block may be warranted to perform this procedure.
If a disbudding box is not available, heavy sedation is
necessary.
A hot disbudding iron is placed over the horn and pres-
sure is applied to ensure complete contact with the skin
surrounding the base of the horn. Leave the disbudding
iron in place for 3 to 4 seconds at a time (Figure 12.10).
The area around the horn is checked for a ring of brown
B
URDIZZO
OR
E
MASCULATOME
Castration can also be accomplished by using a Burdizzo
clamp or emasculatome. This procedure involves clamping
or crushing the spermatic cord without surgically opening
the scrotum. Clamping the cord damages the blood supply
to the testicle, causing the testicle to atrophy. This method
is best used during the fl y season because it leaves no open
wounds. Goats must be between 4 weeks and 4 months of
age with 2-3 months of age being ideal.
After restraining the animal under mild sedation, grasp
the scrotum and manipulate one testicle to the bottom of
