TY  - JOUR
T1  - Effect of Castration Method on Body Weight Change and Secretion of Glucose, 
  Protein and Cortisol in Holstein Calves
AU - Serrato, J.S.C. AU - Veliz, C.J. AU - Moreno, A.A. AU - Castellanos, P.E. 
JO  - Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances
VL  - 12
IS  - 18
SP  - 1468
EP  - 1472
PY  - 2013
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1680-5593
DO  - javaa.2013.1468.1472
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2013.1468.1472
KW  - Performance
KW  -stress hormone
KW  -induced castration
KW  -cryptorchid
KW  -dairy bull calves
AB  - The castration of male cattle raised for beef production is a common practice in many countries to reduce management problems such as aggressive behavior, sexual activity and dark-cutting meat. To determine the effects of the castration method on body weight change and secretion of cortisol and glucose, 27 Holstein calves (30 days old) 50.7±1.3 kg initial body weight were randomly allotted to one of three treatments: untreated Control (CON); Surgical castration (SURG) and induced Cryptorchidism (CRYP). Calves were individually fed and on the day of castration, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture before and every 2 h after castration for 6 h for glucose, cortisol and protein concentrations. Castration method did not influence body weight change either at 2 or 4 weeks after castration. Glucose and cortisol concentration was not influenced by castration method. Serum glucose concentration was not influenced by stressor treatment. Castration method did not influence feed intake (p = 0.14) and body weight change either at 2 (p = 0.23) or at 4 weeks (p = 0.17) after castration. Cortisol concentration was not influenced by castration method (p = 0.37). Serum glucose concentration was not influenced by stressor treatment (p = 0.19). Castration method did not influence serum protein concentration (p = 0.85). These results indicate that induced cryptorchidism is an effective method of castration in growing Holstein calves for beef production.
ER  -