Authors : J.S.C. Serrato, C.J. Veliz, A.A. Moreno and P.E. Castellanos
Abstract: The castration of male cattle raised for beef production is a common practice in many countries to reduce management problems such as aggressive behavior, sexual activity and dark-cutting meat. To determine the effects of the castration method on body weight change and secretion of cortisol and glucose, 27 Holstein calves (30 days old) 50.7±1.3 kg initial body weight were randomly allotted to one of three treatments: untreated Control (CON); Surgical castration (SURG) and induced Cryptorchidism (CRYP). Calves were individually fed and on the day of castration, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture before and every 2 h after castration for 6 h for glucose, cortisol and protein concentrations. Castration method did not influence body weight change either at 2 or 4 weeks after castration. Glucose and cortisol concentration was not influenced by castration method. Serum glucose concentration was not influenced by stressor treatment. Castration method did not influence feed intake (p = 0.14) and body weight change either at 2 (p = 0.23) or at 4 weeks (p = 0.17) after castration. Cortisol concentration was not influenced by castration method (p = 0.37). Serum glucose concentration was not influenced by stressor treatment (p = 0.19). Castration method did not influence serum protein concentration (p = 0.85). These results indicate that induced cryptorchidism is an effective method of castration in growing Holstein calves for beef production.
J.S.C. Serrato, C.J. Veliz, A.A. Moreno and P.E. Castellanos, 2013. Effect of Castration Method on Body Weight Change and Secretion of Glucose, Protein and Cortisol in Holstein Calves. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 12: 1468-1472.