Sheep and goat castration

Castration is a routine animal husbandry procedure used to avoid unwanted reproduction, to prevent behavioral problems, and to improve meat quality in sheep and goats. Male sheep and goats should be castrated as early as practicable, but after the maternal bond has been established and adequate colostrum intake achieved (i.e., after 24 hours of age). Castration can be performed using banding, Burdizzo (clamping), or surgery up to 12 weeks of age. Prior to surgical castration, animals should receive tetanus prophylaxis. Castration in animals older than 12 weeks of age should be surgical and performed by a licensed veterinarian. All castration methods can cause pain and distress; therefore, the AVMA recommends the use of procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate these effects, including the use of approved or AMDUCA-permissible clinically effective anesthesia and analgesia medications. The AVMA encourages research leading to new or improved techniques and approved pharmaceuticals that reduce or eliminate pain and distress associated with castration.

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