Page 236 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

advised to fence the grazing area. It should be reared properly to maintain its health
and thriftiness (refer to Figure 10.4).

Figure 10.4: A Jersey bull

Male calves that are not meant for breeding are normally castrated. This is done to
avoid inbreeding, transmission of unwanted and inferior characters in the herd to
the next generation and also for fattening. Castrated male calves grow faster than
the un-castrated ones. Castrated males are docile; hence, they are easy to handle.
Castration is done within the first two months by either open or close/bloodless
castration. Open castration is done by surgery means using a sharp scalpel, a sharp
razor blade or a sharp knife to incise the scrotum and remove out the testicles. Close/
bloodless castration is the method of castration done by using burdizzo or elastrator.
Burdizzo jaws are used to crush the spermatic cords and blood vessels between the
testicles and the rest of the body. In the case of elastration castration, a strong rubber
ring is stretched and the testicles are inserted in. When the elastrator is released, the
rubber squeezes the spermatic cord. The rubber is left for some days until the cord
atrophies (recall all these equipment from Form One lessons). For easy handling,
bull calves are provided with a nose/bull ring inserted in the nasal septum of the bull
calf. A stick or a hook lead stick is connected to the ring to lead the bull to a desired
place (refer to Figure 10.5).

Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
Student’
225

10/01/2025 12:32
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 225
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 225 10/01/2025 12:32