Green Acres

The Value of Castration for Calves

Castration of bull calves prior to marketing has long been encouraged by Extension educators and the recommendation is backed by objective research from multiple perspectives. From a health perspective, calves castrated at less than three months old experience lower stress levels, less sickness, and lower rates of death loss (Campbell). From an animal welfare perspective, older calves experience more stress at castration and a longer period of stress-related impacts relative to calves castrated at birth or at branding. Bull calves also show more aggressive be...