Looking for the most gentle and swift way to control your bull’s hormones? Halting the production of calving hormones through non-surgical castration- thus preventing undesired or unplanned mating and reproduction- has long been common practice around the world.
Contents
Key points
Castration (also known as orchiectomy) is the removal or inactivation of a male animal’s testicles. Performed by an experienced person using proper, spotless, well-maintained equipment, together with accepted techniques, this method is a common management tool in the beef cattle sector.
Castration is best performed when the animal is as young as possible, ideally soon after birth. Avoid castration during deterring, wearing or stressful events-this rule cannot be stressed enough, and experience in monitoring animal behavior is of the essence.
The procedure will decrease male animal frustration and aggression, enhancing farm safety for both handlers and livestock and for breeders too. Growth, quality control, and production management are also upgraded.
Marketing meat with a higher grade of consistent quality enhanced marbling, and tenderness, and thus more acceptable to consumers is a serious factor to consider. Not needing larger, ‘stronger’, and better-equipped facilities will make bull management more cost-effective,
With the use of the appropriate, ergonomic tools, and putting safety first, this should prove to be a bloodless and painless routine task. We have a few ideas to offer on that!
Things to know
Feeling sensitive and uncomfortable? You don’t have to be! Employing simple means, such as a Cattle Bander designed and produced by a reliable manufacturer, is the most widely trusted, cost-effective method of doing the job safely, quickly, and without intimidation.
Castrating and dehorning, as well as tail cutting of livestock, such as goats, pigs, and sheep is made easy through these kits, while other non-livestock uses may pertain.
Pain mitigation must be used when castrating bulls older than six months of age, as indicated in the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle.
When making purchasing decisions, look for quality in material and manufacturing, versatility, together with safety and ergonomic handling features. Do not go for the cheapest option, but rather try to establish optimal value for money.
With a great deal of enthusiasm and devotion to customer satisfaction, we have prepared, researched, and are proud to present this updated, in-depth, and impartial buying guide to the best Cattle Banders on the market, along with our reviews and ranking.
We declare an innate, distinctive, and sincere interest in the well-being of farm animals, Please continue reading to find out more.
Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
 | 1. No Bull Callicrate PRO Bander with Cutter | ||
 | 2. Zikimed California Bloodless Castration Stainless Steel Bander & Bands (25 pk) | ||
 | 3. Smart Bander Kit Castrate & Dehorn Cattle Sheep Goats | ||
 | 4. Neogen 2005 PRM Castrate Bander | ||
 | 5. Xl Bander |
Top 7 Cattle Banders Review
1. No Bull Callicrate PRO Bander with Cutter
Hailed as the best cattle bander out there, Callicrate PRO Bander with Cutter is a top-quality tool, featuring the best quality high tension banding loops, together with a sturdy pull strap and 360-degree tension indicator, ideal for non-surgical castration. Since 1991, No-Bull Enterprises are experts at choosing uncompromised quality materials, to manufacture perfectly well-made, durable, as well as functional tools.
The PRO is fitted with a large size loop; no crimping is needed, while the banding is very secure. The newly added cutter is suitably built-in and gets the job done in less than 30 seconds, while the procedure is painless and stress-free as can be. The PRO fits perfectly on bulls of any size (300 -3,000 lbs).
This Cattle Bander is lighter, faster, and easier to use than the previous Callicrate model. Kit includes: bander with the cutter, storage case, and 5 loops, and comes at a perfect value for money offer.
Pros
- Five-year warranty
- Less than 1 minute to get the job done-no stress
- Mounted cutting tool
- Large loop size
- Loading is easy, no crimping
- Extra high tension-plus 360-degree tension indicator
- Weighs less than other models of Callicrate
- Value for money-reasonable cost
Cons
- Over the budget for some producers
- Less expensive alternatives of almost the same quality are on the market
2. Zikimed California Bloodless Castration Stainless Steel Bander & Bands (25 pk)
No weight or size restrictions apply to this Zikimed California bander, as this simple Cattle Bander device is perfect for animals of all sizes and ages, and you can save so much money, as well as time and effort, humanely castrating your livestock, whether that is baby goats or an older, 3,000-pound bull.
Made from materials of exceptional quality (stainless steel, natural latex), and containing no harmful chemicals, Zikimed California’s user-friendly design features an ergonomic stainless-steel handle and bands with a T-clip.
This amazingly crafted cattle bander comes with 25 high-quality natural latex expanding bands. Slotted securely from the tip in the robust bander, each 6-inch long band will expand up to 10 inches.
The system takes approximately 7 to 10 days for sac elimination, and an average of 28 plus days for the scrotum to fall off.
Pros
- A perfect fit for animals of all weights and ages
- Premium quality stainless steel handle, natural latex bands
- User-friendly design
Cons
- None found to speak of
3. Smart Bander Kit Castrate & Dehorn Cattle Sheep Goats
A more affordable version of the Pro Bander, the No Bull Callicrate Smart Bander Kit proposes the same benefits and comes with a Callicrate cutter, 5 loops, and a compact carrying case.
This versatile tool features a robust, construction that shows no signs of breakage or damage. In addition, the patented clip locks, together with the Smart Bander loops, deter slipping. With this device, you can perform a bloodless, humane castration, with less stress on your animals.
You don’t have the same PRO Bander quick-lock feature, so there is a little more fiddling to get it right. After you’ve mastered the technique, you won’t know the difference.
Objectively speaking, the Smart cattle bander presents few pitfalls, compared to the Callicrate Pro. On one hand, it does weigh more, making you less contented, when you need to neuter a load of cattle at once. Also, its cutting tool is not built-in, taking you more time to the band. The loops used to look like standard surgical loops, but they are much stronger.
This cattle bander also has a tension indicator, not a 360-degree one. Still, one that does the job, if this isn’t your first time.
Overall, a good budget option. Callicrate-quality performance, heavy-duty durable (you can beat it around all you want), bands exceptionally well.
Pros
- Less costly than the Callicrate Pro-same function
- Comes with a kit with a carrying case and bands
- Sturdy construction, heavy duty, and high durability
- Handy tension indicator
- Smart Bander loops that won’t slip
- patented clip locks
Cons
- Heavier than Pro Bander; brings discomfort when used on a lot of cattle
- No built-in cutter
4. Neogen 2005 PRM Castrate Bander
Among the best calf banders on the market, the PRM Castrate Bander is a premium solution that assists you in breeding control and maintains stable meat and milk quality. You can use this tool for male calves under 250 lbs, provided that their testicles have formed, and are ready for castration.
Compared to surgical castration, banding with this PRM tool is much more humane and as cattle banders go, it is also more economical. The cattle bander is made of aluminum, so it is lightweight (11.8 pounds), and less prone to weather conditions, such as cold and moisture, than stainless-steel equivalents. Aluminum bands are also easy to sanitize, thus reducing the risk of infection in bulk banding.
Pros
- Recommended for calves weighing up to 250lbs
- Lightweight, rugged aluminum build
- Affordable replacement bands
Cons
- Bands are hard to release
5. Xl Bander
The XL bander for cattle is, by all means, the best budget-friendly option in the industry. Manufactured by Wadsworth Cattle Bands, bearing dimensions of 20 x 6 x 1.3 inches, and weighing 1.4 lbs, this amazing cattle bander offers perfect handling, and it is easier to use than the Callicrate models. At only a fraction of the price of the Callicrate banders (even the bands are much cheaper), it is simple to use and provides good performance and an excellent level of tension. The tool is suitable for bulls weighing from 250 to 750 lbs.
Providing ingenious ergonomics with fixed, smaller size bands, the XI cattle bander suits best farmers with more banding experience, less so for first-time farmers.. You don’t have to adjust the tension, so putting the band on is a snap!
Just use a little spit, slide the band over the tool, and open the tool up. Drop in the goods, release the hold, and then pull the bander free.
The bands can only open up to a maximum of 4 x 3 x 3 inches, so it will be a bit more of a challenge to get the testicles inside the band.
Pros
- Highly recommended, high-quality cattle bander.
- Most affordable
- Advisable for bulls weighing 250 to 750 lbs
- Ergonomics are great, and so is the handling
Cons
- Tension is fixed, not adjustable
- Bands can rupture in cold weather
6. XL Castration Banding tool. Includes 25 Bands
Manufactured by S&J tools, with dimensions 17 x 11.6 x 2.5 inches, and weighing 1.94 lbs, this versatile cattle bander finds use on livestock, cattle, sheep, and goats. Other non-Livestock applications may pertain.
The S&J XL bander is a unique solution to make delayed castration less painful. This large bander for cattle can handle various kinds of animals ranging from 250 to 750lbs, from sheep, goats, cows, pigs, and so on.
Extremely well made, the tool can open up to the size of a tennis ball (4 x 3 x 3 inches) and requires no tightening. Thus, you can easily apply it to your calves and cattle.
Their scrotum will drop off 20 to 40 days after application without appetite loss or slow weight gain. A few weeks before banding older calves, you should vaccinate them with tetanus toxoid.
Its sturdy and rugged construction makes it last for a lifetime under regular use. Besides castration, you can utilize the S&J XL cattle bander for removing horns and docking tails.
A minor drawback of this bander is that there are no bands in the package. The rings themselves are not durable when used in cold weather conditions.
Pros
- Intended for big animals, 250 to 750lbs
- Simple application, no tightening
- Animals show no appetite loss or slow weight gain found
Cons
- No bands included
- Bands break in cold weather
7. Tri-Band Castration Bander
The Tri-Band Castration Bander is a truly magnificent product for bloodless castration, The Tri-Band is the cattle bander for newly-born calves up to 3 or 4 months of age, with a maximum capacity of 350lbs.
Despite the fact that it’s made of plastic, this tool is twice as strong as its counterparts. The span is 5 inches (the size of a golf ball), which is wider than most standard banders.
The bands are elastic and hard to break even in the summer. You will find 10 free bands in the package, but you can also purchase additional ones. The bands feature a flat edge, and that prevents them from falling apart from the applicator. In addition, no tightening is required,
The best feature, this cattle bander comes with a unique lifetime warranty, so you, the owner can forever contact the manufacturer for help, if needed.
The device opens up to 2.5 x 2.5 x 2. inches, simply open it; put it in place, then release it.
Pros
- Rough tough plastic bander
- The flat edge keeps the band in one place
- A lifetime warranty is provided
Cons
- Hard to open any wider than round rubber bands
How do you use a castration contraption?
With so many options in the market, selecting your castration gear won’t be a walk on the farm-but then, that’s what we’re here for! In this buying guide, you will find a toolset to fit your budget, and rest assured that your needs will be met to a superlative degree.
Now that you have your easy-to-use bander at hand, make sure the components are squeaky clean, and that you follow all the hygienic regulations by wearing gloves, glasses, and a mask. If you’re using your tools for the first time, carefully read the instructions in the package.
Also make certain that you are working in a stress-free environment, and that the calf is calm, and in a good condition and mood. The best-case scenario is that they will go through the process, and not know what hit’em!
Here’s the procedure technique step by step
1. Use the elastrator to block testicular function on calves from birth to three weeks of age.
2. Elastic rings purchased within the previous 12 months won’t break, and assure a tight fit, strong enough to cut off blood flow in the arteries as well as the veins. Otherwise, the scrotum will swell.
3. Make sure the genital area is clean and dry. Take all sanitary precautions.to reduce the risk of
Infection,
4. With your fingers, carefully manipulate both testicles, pulling them into the scrotum. Take care that this gives the animal no discomfort.
Place the rubber band on the elastrator. Hold the elastrator with the prongs facing up. Close the handles to open the band.
5. With the calf standing and both testicles in the scrotum, stretch the ring of the device open and slip the open band up over the scrotum. Release the band just above the top of the testicles (~0.1/5 of an inch).
6. Check to be sure both testicles are still in the tip of the scrotum and make sure the ring is placed properly. If not, cut the ring with scissors and start again.
7. Remove the elastrator from under the band, and you’re done!
8. After banding, monitor the calves for bleeding or signs of discomfort.
FAQ
How long does it take for castration bands to work?
The contraption fits a super-tight elastic band which will tauten the blood flow to the scrotum. It takes around 6 hours for the testicles to shrivel and die.
What are the benefits of using an elastrator?
Using an elastrator is an inexpensive, quick, and bloodless method of castration.
Moreover, non-surgical treatment does not cause acute pain, and discomfort can be relieved.
What does A Cattle Bander do?
A cattle bander tends to remove or inactivate the testicles of a male animal. When the band’s tension is kept high, it minimizes your cattle’s immune response and also lowers the risk of appetite loss. Bloodless castration takes approximately 7 to 10 days for sac elimination.
Do animals feel pain, and are they hurt?
All methods of castration are painful. Surgical castration causes more intense pain that lasts for a few days, while banding castration causes a less intense, though chronic pain that lasts for over a month. Producers should consult with their veterinarians on the best methods to manage pain during, and after castration.
Pain medication (anesthetics and analgesics) is an effective way of reducing pain, and improving animal welfare. A number of different pain-control products are commercially available. Producers are using pain medication, in consultation with their veterinarians, more than ever before.
When should I band bull calves?
According to the Beef Cattle Research Council, you should castrate calves at the youngest age practically possible, and definitely prior to weaning. Ideally, you should avoid castrating during fly and insect season.
As an animal gets older, the health and welfare risks of castration increase. The area of affected tissue becomes larger, and the impact on animal performance is evident. Castrating bull calves soon after birth improves animal welfare, and ensures better health and feedlot gains.
The timing of castration also affects morbidity. Research has shown that calves castrated on arrival at the feedlot, are at higher risk for disease than steers castrated earlier in life.
Why castrate?
Seedstock producers planning to sell bulls wait to determine which to castrate. Once the decision has been, there are 31 profitable reasons to castrate bull calves before selling them, and the earlier, the better…
Conclusion
With a plethora of tempting options flooding the market, we have tried to safeguard you from making an unfortunate choice you will regret. Decide what’s right for you and your needs, and let us take care of the rest. Happy bargain hunting!
