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Studying the USDA Market News reports, Andrew Griffith, PhD, says it is clear that a good number of producers still find it easier to sell bull calves instead of castrating them prior to selling them. He shares the economics of selling calves straight off the cow versus after preconditioning and applying management protocols in this article.
During the 14-month period evaluated, 525-lb. bull calves were discounted $88 per head compared to same weight steers, while 625-lb. bull calves were discounted $125 per head compared to same-weight steers.”
Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, April 24, 2025. Link.
INSIGHTS: The number of bull calves being sold without preconditioning is surprising given the years our industry has studied and quantified the economics of value-added management and wellness practices. The longer you wait to castrate, the more stress on the animal and the higher the risk of injury for everyone involved, according to Clyde Lane Jr., who advocates castrating bull calves within a few days of birth <Link>.
AHD Sponsor Solvet™ recently introduced Lidoband™, a novel lidocaine-impregnated elastrator developed for livestock production <Link>. Lidoband helps to address the pain and discomfort associated with band castration and is available in four sizes to allow for early castration before bull calves begin to develop. The benefits of early castration using Lidoband were demonstrated on calves under 2 weeks of age by researchers at Kansas State University <Link>.
