Veterinary College, Bengaluru

Monthly e-Bullletin

Newsletter Date : 31st July 2013 Volume No : 2 Issue : 07

Dr. B. N. Nagaraja , Dr. A. S. Patil and Dr. Ramesh Rathod

FODDER BOX (settihallynag@rediffmail.com & e mail)
Department of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology,
Fodder
BAJRA Veterinary College Hebbal, Bangalore
Crop
Introduction: Castration, stated simply, is the unsexing of a
Varieties Deenbandhu
male animal. Castration is a routine animal husbandry practice carried
out on young cattle for on-farm management of male cattle, buffalo,
Season June-July
sheep and goats in India. The purpose of castration is:
Duration 65-70 days
To prevent mating / reproduction
Seed rate/
4kg/acre To improve carcass quality i.e To improve the fattening and meat
acre
production capability,
Space 23.00 cms
To make the animal more docile and Prevent fighting
At sowing & Gentle them and make them easy to handle.
Irrigation
Once in 10 days Among the many techniques available for Non-Invasive
castration (Burdizzo, Elastrator, Calicrate bander, Short-scrotumed
Stage of
At 65-70 days and Chemical castration), closed method of castration using Burdizzo
harvest
castrator is most commonly employed method in bulls, rams and bucks
Yield 12.5 tonne/ acre
especially in India. It is commonly referred to as Burdizzo castration.
Protein Even though it is a simple technique, we do encounter many
7.96 %
content complications associated with it because many a times in India the
No. of cut- procedure is being performed by the paraveterinarians, animal attenders
Single cutting
ting and even quacks. So it is important to ensure use of the correct technique
Fodder/ Green-25 and perform the procedure at a time when it is best for the animals
animal/day 30kgs welfare.

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 Age: It is recommended that bull calves and small ruminants used for meat purpose and not needed
for breeding be castrated sometime between 4-10 weeks of age in case of animals. Under Indian situation
where animals used for the draft purpose, it is always advised to take up castration after the animal attains
maturity i.e above 3 to 4 years of age. If done early it will lead to narrowed urethra and increased risk
of urinary obstruction due to small Uroliths also.
Season of Year: Summer and Winter are the best times of year to castrate. As these are a times
when the chance of wound infestation from flies is reduced. More over during summer wound remains dry
and heals faster. During winter there will be reduced post procedural edema and the testicles are pulled up.
Position of Animal: Young calves, 4- 10 weeks
old, should be restrained to the ground and held in a recum-
bent position. In case of bulls, above one year of age, they
have to be properly restrained in recumbent position.
Always ensure soft bedding while bringing the animal to
recumbency to avoid radial nerve paralysis. In case of
bucks and rams either standing or sitting on rump (Fig. 1)
position can be employed safely.

Principle of Burdizzo Castration: The principle behind the technique is the crushing of the
spermatic chords and associated blood vessels and nerves within the scrotum by the use of a special
pressure-leverage instrument, termed a Burdizzo (Fig. 2). Thus destroying the blood supply for the testes.
Without this blood supply, the testicles degenerate and atrophy (Fig. 3).

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 Technique: In using this method, it is necessary to work a cord to the side of the scrotum i.e.
during the application of Burdizzo castrator, the spermatic chord of each side is firmly held outword
against the scrotal skin and then instruments jaws are clamped about 1 to 3/4 inches above the testicle
(Fig. 4). The instrument should be held in this position for
10 seconds. In case of mature animals where the spermatic
cords are thick, each cord may be crushed at two points
with a gap of to inch. Choose a site below the first
crush to minimize acute pain from a second crush. Repeat
the same procedure with the other cord, making sure the
instrument is clamped about one inch below the point
where the first cord was clamped. i.e both the cord should
not be crushed at the same level. It is a blood less
technique without an open wound. So there is no danger of infection or infestation by maggots.
Aftercare: Watch animals closely for about 10 days after castration. Beware of fly attacks and
infection. Treat wounds with aerosol spray which discourages fly attacks. If swelling and pain are severe
and if the animal develops a temperature, a course of antibiotic, NSAIDs and antihistamines should be
injected.
Complications associated with Burdizzo castration technique: The burdizzo castrators are used
in a great deal on the bovine and ovine and they have several advantages if used correctly. However use of
faulty method or instruments will leads to complications and even failure of castration itself. Sometimes it
may lead to decreased feeding, decreased work performance and even death.
The scrotal skin should be crushed in such a way that the crush marks on either side should not be at
the same level and should not meet each other. The burdizzo castrator clamps should include only
required amount of scrotal skin and the crushing should not extend across the median raphe / septum
of the scrotum or will cause undesirable wounds (Fig. 5).

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 The use of faulty burdizzos can tear the scrotal tissue causing ischemia of the lower part of the scrotum
which will occur and undergo Necrosis / Dry Gangrene (Fig. 6) and then slough off. These wound
if unattended may get infested by maggots. This is more so if castration is done in rainy season during
which fly population will be more.
During application there should not be any struggling from animal side or vigorous shaking of hands
holding the instrument. As these jerky movements may severe the blood vessels and lead to
Hematoma within scrotum / Hematocele. So it is always better to locally desensitize the neck of
the scrotum with local anesthetics and in case of non cooperative animals sedation with Xylazine may
be employed. Pulling the spermatic cord with force may lead to tear in mesentry leading to Gut Tie
i.e. internal hernia.
Even while performing burdizzo castration there should not be any prior illness or wounds on scrotum.
The tick infestation if any should be treated 10-15 days prior to castration. As the infection may spread
to deeper parts of scrotum from these leading to abscessation /
Pyocele. Pyocele may be unilateral or bilateral. The spread of
infection across the spermatic chord will lead to Schirrous
chord / water seed (Fig. 7). Sterilization of the area and the
clamping jaws of the instrument with surgical spirit and Povidone
Iodine before and after application of the clamp will minimize the
incidence of pyocele.
In this method care should also be taken to avoid the urethra which
can get crushed accidentally which may lead to urinary obstruction or urethral fistula or even end up in
fatality.
Crushing point should be atleast to 1 inch above testicle. Crushing of testicle substance proper may
end up in testicular edema which may lead to Hydrocele or Testicular tumor if not attended to.
The testicular crushing injury may cause neurogenic shock also.
A minimum of 15 days rest should be given to animal or otherwise rubbing of already inflamed
scrotum with the thighs may aggravate the condition.
During crushing of the spermatic cord, by application of digital pressure ensure that there is no slipping
of the cord from the jaws of the instrument or else that testicle will continue to function and the whole
procedure will be a failure. Repeated crushing will also injure the scrotal skin and make it prone to
infection.
Although the procedure is simple and easy to perform it should be performed precisely by a well
trained qualified person. So that above complications which bring about morbidity and suffering to the
animal and put a financial burden on the owner both in terms of treatment cost and maintenance during the
convalescent period.
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 Dr. M.A.Kshama, Assistant Professor
Department of TVCC, Veterinary College, Bangalore -24
(email: kshamabopanna@rediffmail.com)
A number of clinical cases are encountered by the field practitioners wherein diagnosis is based
only on clinical signs which can lead to a great deal of dilemma to the clinician regarding appropriate
therapy which has to be instituted immediately in order to ensure the well being and recovery of the
patient. However, the prospect of sending the samples to a laboratory is daunting and not always
feasible in a rural set up. Yet, several of these conditions can be diagnosed with some simple tests requiring
minimal facilities. It is indeed possible to establish a reasonably effective laboratory for day to day
diagnosis in every veterinary dispensary with minimum investment and a lot of commitment.
Some of the commonly encountered conditions that can be diagnosed at field level using laboratory
facilities include thieleriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, trypanosomiasis, pasturellosis, mastitis
(subclinical), ruminal acidosis (Lactic acidosis), ruminal alkalosis, ketosis in cattle and in dogs bacterial
infections (leptospirosis-tentative, pyometra),viral infections (PVGE-tentative), hemoprotozoan diseases
like babesiosis, parasitic infestations, skin diseases like demodicosis, scabies, pyoderma, malachezia
dermatitis etc.
Diagnostic techniques that can be done at field level
Microscope is one important requirement in any laboratory which one cannot do without and a
centrifuge if available will be a bonus.Microscope is the only major equipment required and all the
remaining materials and chemicals can be procured within a budget of approximately Rs 5000-10000.
Hematology:
This is a very important aspect of diagnosis for most diseases. It is easy to perform and yet gives a
great deal of information. Of the hematological parameters ,the total leukocyte count, differential leucocyte
count and the hemoglobin level can be of great value and easily performed at any laboratory with basic
facilities. Further examination of blood smear is another very important aspect of diagnosis that can be
done at the veterinary dispensaries. Examination of blood smears is the standard method for diagnosis of
hemoprotozoan parasites and in addition bacteria can also be detected (cocci,rods ) and sent for further
testing such as culture and ABST for confirmation and therapy.
The materials required for a basic hematological lab include EDTA, giemsas stain, methanol,
distilled water, WBC diluting fluid, N/10 HCl, hemocytometer, hemoglobinometer, staining rack and
glassware like glass slides, coverslips ,test tubes, beaker, conical flask. Urine reagent strips are now
commercially available (a box of 100 strips costs approximately Rs 1000) in the market and upto 10 tests

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 Table 1: Basic materials and equipments required for setting up of a laboratory

Sl No Name of reagent/chemical/equipment

I. Equipments
1. Microscope (simple/monocular/binocular)
2. Centrifuge (not mandatory)
II Other materials
1. Mortar and Pestle
2. Strainer
3. Test tube Holder (not mandatory)
4. Bunsen burner/ heater (not mandatory)
5. Test tube stand
6. Staining rack/ staining jar
III Glassware
1. Test tubes
2. Glass slides
3. Cover slips, glass rod
4. Beaker
5. Conical flask
6. Hemocytometer
7. Hemoglobinometer
IV Chemicals and Reagents
1. Giemsas stain
2 EDTA
3. Methanol
4. WBC diluting fluid
5. N/10 HCl
6. Urine reagent strips
7. Zinc sulphate
8. Sodium chloride
9. Formalin
10. Potassium hydroxide
11. Liquid paraffin
12. pH paper
13. Sodium hydroxide
14. Hydrogen peroxide
15. Methylene blue
16. Surgical spirit
V. Miscellaneous
Xylene, Cedar wood oil, vials /vacutainers for collecting samples, Distilled
water, syringes (20 ml,2ml), needles(16g, 20G), cotton roll, urinary
catheter, black cloth, scissors

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can be run simultaneously using a single strip. These are very simple to perform and are more reliable than
the other more cumbersome reagents and chemical methods that were being used.
Urine analysis:
Urine analysis provides a great deal of information on urinary tract infections, cystitis, neoplastic
conditions of bladder, urolithiasis and renal failure. Urine can be collected directly while the animal is
voiding it or by catheterization and should be examined as soon as possible to get the maximum
information from it.
Fecal examination:
Analysis of fecal samples for parasitic ova and coccidial oocysts can be done at field level so that
animals can be given specific targeted therapy.the samples can be either examined directly or it can be
processed using either the sedimentation or floatation technique.The fecal samples should always be
examined fresh. However if this is not possible it can stored in 10% formalin.
Chemicals required for fecal analysis include zinc sulphate solution and sodium chloride solution.
Centrifuge if present can be of great use but fecal samples can be analysed without it. Mortar and pestle
and strainer are also necessary.
Skin scraping examination cutaneous cytology
This is very useful for the diagnosis of demodex mites, sarcoptes scabei and other mites. Cutaneous
cytology will be useful to detect inflammatory conditions, presence of malachezia and pyoderma (bacteria).
The chemicals and other materials required include 10% KOH, liquid paraffin, methanol, giemsas stain,
distilled water glass slides, cover slips,2ml syringes with 20G needles and BP blades.
Examination of milk samples
It is possible to detect subclinical and clinical mastitis using simple diagnostic tests which include
physical tests such as examination of colour, consistency, odour and strip cup test which do not require any
chemicals. In addition chemical tests that can be easily performed include white side test and catalase test
which detects the presence of leukocytes, bacteria, pH etc. Materials required include test tube, a black
cloth, glass slides, cover slips, glass rod, 4% sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide and methylene blue.
Rumen fluid examination
Examination of rumen fluid is a very essential part in the diagnosis of diseases of forestomach in
ruminants.There are several physical and chemical tests that can be done, all of which may not be practical
But the rumen fluid has to be checked for pH and motility of protozoa and this goes a long way in
differentiating alkalosis, acidosis and also predicting the prognosis. Rumen fluid should be examined
immediately after collection and the fluid should be collected using 20ml syringes with 16G needles in
dark/brown coloured bottles so as to prevent exposure to sunlight. The pH can be examined using pH
papers.

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 Dr. Sudha G ,Assistant Professor
Department of Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics, Veterinary College, Bangalore
(dineshtumkur@gmail.com)
Repeat Breeding : High Incidence of Cows Requiring Three or More Services
Possible Causes:
1. Improper timing of inseminationbreeding too early or too late.
2. Frequently inseminating cattle based on secondary signs of estrus.
3. High incidence of uterine infection.
4. Improper insemination technique or use of semen damaged during storage or handling.
5. Embryonic or fetal mortality.
Excessive weight loss or poor body condition.
Improper palpation technique during pregnancy exams.
Heat stress.
Inseminating cows too late in relation to ovulation.
Deficient crude protein or excess degradable protein intake.
6. Diseases
Subclinical uterine infection.
Vibriosis and trichomoniasis in natural breeding.
Leptospirosis and haemophilus.
Viruses (IBR/IPV, BVD) and maybe others.
Ureaplasma and mycoplasma.
7. Toxicity (i.e., ketone bodies, mycotoxins, high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and endotoxins).
8. Imbalance of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D, and E and carotene.
9. Anemia.
10. Hormonal imbalance (i.e., intake of forages high in estrogen).
11. Use of low breeding efficiency sires.
12. Improper use of drugs or hormones that impact reproductive function.
Suggestions.
Evaluate the heat detection program and timing of service.
Use Milk Progesterone Testing to evaluate accuracy of heat detection.
Submit blood samples or reproductive tract swabs for disease testing.
Treat if infection is present.

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 Re-evaluate semen handling and insemination techniques.
Test forages and the total mixed ration (TMR) for standard analysis, minerals and mycotoxins if
suspected.
check basic feeding practices (i.e., feed availability).
If possible, provide cows with adequate amounts of fresh forage as pasture or green chop for at least
four to six weeks each year.
Avoid moldy or apparently high-estrogen forages.
Purchase semen from reputable sources.
Review use of drugs and/or hormones administered to breeding stock.
Evaluate vaccination and biosecurity practices and protocols.

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monthly e-Bulletin
Published and circulated by Veterinary College, Hebbal Bengaluru

Editor: Associate Editior:

Dean, Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru Head,Dept of Vety & Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Dr.S.Yathiraj (Ex-Officio) Dr.K.Satyanarayana (Ex-Officio)

Contact :
Dept of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Veterinary College, Hebbal Bangalore
email: pashubandhavch@gmail.com

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2012 Volume No : 2
1 Issue : 07