From a BQA and marketing standpoint all male calves that will not be kept for breeding purposes should be castrated before they reach 3 months of age. Castration can be done soon after birth and the earlier calves are castrated the better.
Regardless of the method used to castrate, it is important to make sure both testicles are in the scrotal sac before the castration process starts. Although not common, in some cases the calf may be a cryptorchid, meaning one or both testicles have not descended. When this occurs seek the assistance of a veterinarian to make sure the calf is properly castrated.
