Castration is a management procedure that reduces animal aggression, prevents unwanted breeding and improves meat quality. No matter what method is used, all castration procedures cause pain, as measured by stress responses in the animal. Explore new products that are helping to reduce that pain and increase productivity.

Over the past few months, we’ve shared insights from this program on topics such as locomotion, nutrition and social housing for calves. One key topic remains: pain mitigation.

Even though digital dermatitis is not exactly a new problem, questions still abound about proper prevention and control. Here are some tips for managing cattle and their environment that might help out your operation.

The calendar never lies. While it may feel like New Year’s celebrations have scarcely fizzled, the calf crop is on the ground, the winter feed supply is dwindling, and patches of green grass are beckoning.

Without a doubt, castration is an extremely valuable management practice. Research has long reinforced the benefits of castration to mitigate unwanted behavior, prevent unwanted pregnancy and benefit carcass development.

Currently, the use of pain mitigation in beef cattle is sporadic at best. With limited approved and labeled drug product options available to alleviate the effects of procedures such as castration and dehorning, it’s difficult to navigate the various pressure points and establish a realistic path forward.