Can we mitigate pain associated with castration in beef cattle at early (<6 months of age) ages? A review from a Canadian perspective

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to review the literature regarding castration method, age, and pain mitigation strategies assessed in young beef calves under 6-months-of-age, summarize study findings and provide guidance regarding best practice for controlling pain in young calves. Collectively, research shows that knife castration resulted in a greater number and magnitude of acute indicators of pain lasting up to 7 days, while banding caused both acute and longer-term pain associated with inflammation lasting several weeks. In addition, calves <2-months-of-age generally healed faster, had reduced physiological responses, and had better growth recovery post-castration compared to calves between 2 and <6-months-of-age. Administration of a local anesthetic in combination with an analgesic effectively reduced behavioural and physiological indicators of pain. Given that less pain was observed in younger calves, knife castration resulted in shorter-term pain with faster healing than banding, and pain control is more easily achieved for acutely painful procedures; knife castration soon after birth (≤2-months-of-age), conducted using pain control is recommended. Future studies should focus on comparing the effects of varying castration techniques within castration methods as well as drug delivery and timing techniques that could further improve pain control strategies in castrated calves.