How to Band a Goat

Goat castration is commonly done by a technique called "banding." Banding is a quick and bloodless way to castrate young male goats or kids. Because there is no open incision, the risk of infection is greatly reduced. Before attempting to band a goat, make sure you can feel both testicles in the scrotum. If you are unable to locate both testicles, you may have to wait a week and try to locate them again. The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences recommends giving a tetanus shot to goats before banding.

Things You'll Need

  • Elastrator pliers
  • Bands
  • Iodine or disinfectant approved for use on animals
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand the goat in a comfortable upright position. This will make it easier to locate the testicles.

    • 2

      Apply pressure to the abdomen if needed. This will force the testicles down into the scrotum

    • 3

      Paint the entire area of the testicles and scrotum with iodine.

    • 4

      Place a band in the elastrator pliers.

    • 5

      Squeeze the elastrator pliers to test the band. This will ensure the band is on correctly and will not come off while banding the goat.

    • 6

      Push both of the goat's testicles through the band until the band is located at the very bottom of the scrotum. Make sure both testicles are below the band.

    • 7

      Place your hand above the scrotum and squeeze off the sack to make sure the testicles do not slip up and out of the scrotum.

    • 8

      Release the handles of the elastrator pliers and use your free hand to pull the band off the prongs.

    • 9

      Reapply iodine or disinfectant to the scrotum and banded area.

    • 10

      Force the goat to walk and move around to reduce swelling.

    • 11

      Check the banded area every two or three days to be sure there are no signs of infection. Reapply iodine or disinfectant.