If male calves will not be kept for breeding purposes they should be castrated before 3 months of age. Castration of older, heavier animals causes greater stress and increases the chances for complications.
Calves can be castrated as soon as 1 or 2 days after birth using a knife or a band. One advantage of knife castration is knowing that both testicles have been removed. Incomplete castration does occur when bands are applied incorrectly. If using bands, it is critical to make sure both testicles are below the band after it has been applied.
