What are the common methods of castrating lambs? Explained clearly in one article

Castrated lambs or rams have a gentle temperament, are easy to manage, save feed, and their meat has no offensive odor and is relatively tender, making them easy to fatten. Therefore, male lambs or rams not intended for breeding are generally castrated. Castrated sheep are called wethers. Male lambs are best castrated at 2-3 weeks after birth. The commonly used castration methods are:

(1) Castration clamp method

Use a specially made castration clamp to clamp firmly on the upper part of the scrotum, crushing the spermatic cord, and the testicles gradually atrophy. This method does not cut a wound, so there is no risk of blood loss or infection. However, those without experience often fail to crush the spermatic cord and thus fail to achieve the purpose of castration.

(2) Knife cutting method

Use a sharp small knife to cut open the scrotum and remove the testicles. The method is: two people cooperate to restrain the sheep, and disinfect the outside of the sheep's scrotum with 3% carbolic acid or iodine tincture. After disinfection, the operator holds the upper part of the scrotum with one hand to prevent the lamb's testicles from retracting into the abdominal cavity. With the other hand, use a sterilized knife to make a small incision at the lower side of the scrotum, about 1/3 of the length of the scrotum, just large enough to squeeze out the testicle. After cutting, pull out the testicle together with the spermatic cord and tear it off. After removing the testicle on one side, remove the testicle on the other side in the same way. An experienced person can also cut open the scrotal septum, squeeze the other testicle over and remove it, which is also very good. This way, one fewer incision is made. After removing the testicles, align the scrotal incision, apply iodine tincture for disinfection, and sprinkle on anti-inflammatory powder. Check after 1-2 days. If the scrotum has contracted, it indicates safety. If the scrotum is swollen, squeeze out the bloody fluid, then apply iodine tincture and anti-inflammatory powder again, and generally there will be no danger. After castration, the lambs should be kept in a sheep pen with clean bedding to prevent infection.

(3) Ligation method

When the male lamb is one week old, squeeze the testicles into the scrotum and tightly ligate the upper part of the scrotum with a rubber band or thin rope, cutting off blood circulation. After about half a month, the scrotum and testicles atrophy and fall off naturally. This method is simple and easy to perform, with good results.