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Deworming, tattooing, growth implantation, vaccinating, and surgical castration of calves 19 February 2009 Page three of three |
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The male calves selected for castration are thrown to the ground upon exiting the chute. |
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Everyone lends a hand to make sure the calf is immobilized for the operation. |
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| Sean performs the surgical castration, which takes only seconds to complete. Learn more about how the procedure is done from this Arizona Cooperative Extension publication: Castrating Calves and Lambs As a side note, the removed testicles will soon be on the menu as they are considered quite the culinary delight. |
The calves take the whole thing quite stoically; rising up and walking away without any seeming discomfort. According to IFAS' Florida Cow-Calf Management, "Once castrated, the male calf is referred to as a steer. Beef from steers is preferred over beef from bulls because castration improves the color, texture, tenderness, and juiciness of the meat." |
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| A castrated calf rejoins the herd. Steers have quieter dispositions and are easier to handle than bulls. | A Crested Caracara, braced against the high wind, watches over the cow pens for part of the afternoon. |
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All the calves having returned to the herd, the group waits to head back to pasture. |
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The herd is taken back to pasture after a busy day in the cow pens. |
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