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steering bulls
Posted by desert oxtrainer at 2010-12-27 23:52:55
I JUST GOT OX #4 AND #5 FOR christmas! They are mini zebus about 3 years old and bulls. I went to the local vet. wants to band them to steer them. I feel they should be cut, I'm worried that the banding may come with complications. I've waited 19 years for mini zebus, and don't want to do something to wreck their health and well being. any input is very much appreaciated! Thank you!
Response by KM at 2010-12-28 09:34:11
Banded the right way and given shots they will be less effected than knifing them. I have always liked a knife because I can see that I got them but I am being converted to the bands. This year the bands will go on at tagging within 2 days. KM
Response by Vicki at 2010-12-28 12:11:32
I'm not a castration expert, but I tend to think banding at this age is not the best option for animals you hope to have for a decade or more.

Get other opinions from other vets and from those who know oxen like Drew Conroy and Tim Huppe. Maybe Doc Collins, the "ox vet" in New England may give you a consult if you call him.

How fun to receive more oxen! Let us know what you are doing with them.
Response by Zebu Rider at 2010-12-28 13:11:46
If the bands will fit there is no reason it wont work. MY OPINION AS A MALE is banding will be less tramutic and leave the animalliking you more.
Response by M. Burley at 2010-12-28 20:51:37
I agree with KM and zebu rider. We've even done the bigger cattle with emasculators, there can be complications with any procedure.
Response by KC Fox at 2010-12-28 23:20:14
I would cut them as soon as I can get them in a squeeze chute, dont squeeze them. Just put a post or pipe behind them and cut. I never use bands or emasculators Just a sharp knife so wont tell you what to use just do it. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all
Response by Brendan Grant at 2010-12-29 10:21:07
I band all my rams, but we lamb in late winter when it is still cold and dry and the chance of infection is low. We also follow up with a good vaccination program.

My working steers were castrated by the vet with the burdizo at 8 months of age. It was a better choice than banding or cutting at that time of the year. I am pleased with the decision. I may move to clamping more and more in the future.
Response by Vicki at 2010-12-29 10:45:08
I am looking into the burdizo. It may be a good way to go for older calves. In the past, older calves I had cut by the vet. Some hardly noticed, one held a grudge for a little while.
Response by J Fox Central NE at 2010-12-31 13:23:23
It has been my experience that cutting is the best way to go. Got a neighbor that told me "they are to big to cut" He had about 1600 hd of holstein 500-700 bulls that he bought at a auction. I told him that if I was going to do it I would cut them all. Then he started in on well they will swell. Finnaly I told him that I would buy every one that died and pay him $100 for everyone that swelled, if he would pay me $5 for everyone that was ok. He got mad and said "@## no". Then to my surprise he said that the best way for us to get along was for him to go do something else. So he made sure that I had all the meds that I needed and he left. I cut them all and not a 1 swelled.

I use bands to dehorn goats and cattle. What I have seen is it will not start to heal untill everything falls off. By the time that this happens with the bands the bulls that I cut are a long way to being fully healed and are already on full feed. I have seen it go bad both ways. I have just had better luck cutting.



Jim
Response by Anna Knapp-Peck at 2010-12-31 17:54:18
I'd like to see some pictures of the zebus when they get working. Good Luck!
Response by desert oxtrainer at 2011-01-10 14:42:14
thanks for the input! I have been working with the little bulls on leading. I am working reallyhard on building their confidence and courage. I have them in seperate pens, and each lesson they end up in a different pen. They were pretty scared at first, but now they start looking for the food! We are a LONG way from yokes, harnesses or hitching, but they are making steady improvement.

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