Information on Banding Calves

To bring top market price and the best quality of meat, bull calves must have their testicles removed. Banding is the modern way to complete this procedure.

  1. History

    • The old ranching style of surgically removing testicles has given way to banding. It is easier on the calf and the cowboy as it is bloodless.

    Time Frame

    • Recovery from banding takes a much shorter time for the calf. Within a few hours, the calf is eating and back to normal. Calves that have undergone surgery would take much longer to recover, and there was an increased chance of permanent damage, including death.

    Procedure

    • The testicles are placed through a special ring using a tool. The ring cuts the circulation of blood to the testicles. The testicles rapidly numb from loss of blood. They dry up and fall off in about 30 days.

    Benefits

    • Calves that are banded have a better recovery and less stress than those that undergo the surgery. The procedure is noninvasive. Calves can be banded at a later date to take advantage of the natural growth hormone of testosterone.

    Potential

    • Horns can also be banded in a similar procedure. This is less stressful to the animal and to the cowboy while increasing the overall marketability of the animal.