[Jacob-list] Calicrate Bander

[Peg Bostwick]

We've never used banders for docking or castrating.   The shepherd at
Michigan State U told me that he thought bands were the worst way to go for
both, given the time needed to get the job done.

 

For docking, Joe uses a device that cuts the tail, and crushes the stub to
limit bleeding.  Iodine used to clean the stub.   There is no doubt the tail
is sore - they go back to moms with tails tucked under -  but go right to
nursing.   (Left to me, it doesn't get done at all.  J)  

For wethering, we use a burdizzo (Mid-states Wool Growers, Pipestone,
wherever).  This can be done up to several weeks of age - in fact you have
to wait until you can feel the testicles, because this device works by
crushing the tubes above the testicles - it is essentially a clamp.   If
done correctly, I'm not saying it is easy on the lamb - to be effective, you
have to hold it in place for about a minute.  But, we usually sit the lambs
up and I hold them while Joe does the dirty work, and at the end of a couple
of minutes (a minute each side) they normally just get right up and trot
off.  Some may act a bit wobbly for a few seconds.   They will kick when the
clamp is first closed, but once we let them up, I've never had one lay
around and kick or anything like that.   We don't have to worry about blood,
flies, etc. and find it the lesser of evils.   

 

Not having used a bander, I can't really compare, but consider this as an
option.    Any opinions?  Peg

 

Peg Bostwick

 <mailto:peg at sweetgrass-jacobs.com> peg at sweetgrass-jacobs.com

517-626-6981

 

From: jacob-list-bounces at jacobsheep.com
[mailto:jacob-list-bounces at jacobsheep.com] On Behalf Of Jennifer
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 12:01 PM
To: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com
Subject: [Jacob-list] Calicrate Bander

 

Anyone else used this tool... Im pretty darn happy with the results~  Local
feed store rents out both the "Wee Bander" by calicrate and the "Calicrate
bander"  ( www.NoBull.net ) 

 

We typically knife castrate in mid June when we start making culling
decisions on rams.  I castrate at this time as I typically sell a few fleece
wethers, and to have them already done is a good thing, plus I can put the
wethers in with the cull ewe lambs to feed out for slaughter without
incident.

 

We first tried the Wee Bander on some 30-60 dauyy lambs.. got the job done,
but I think it was a little tough on them as I had to force the testicles
into the bander as it was a bit small.

 

The Calicrate bander is touted as the most Humane castration method... and
that it is effective to castrate older animals.

 

It took a few lambs to get the hang of it... I may have banded one too high,
but he is getting around fine now,,the most difficult part was keeping the
wool out of the bander when pressure was applied.   This bander is supposed
to be the least stressful as it applies a much higher level of pressure,
cutting off blood flow immediatley instead of letting the testicles swell
first.

 

We saw tyhe typical banding response, of throwing themselves down, but they
were back up within a minute or so, and walking (a little stiff) right
after.  Nobody seemed to go off feed.

 

Obviously the bander is a bit pricey and the bands are like $3 each.. but if
it makes it easier on the lambs, I may go ahead and purcase one.

 

I really wish I could justify the wee-bander too.. it is supposed to be
awesome on tails...same theory of lots of presssure means less pain and
complications.

 

Jennifer Tucker

Moose Mtn Ranch

Bennett, CO

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