Page 264 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

be done on a part where it will not reduce value of the hide or skin (refer to Figure
8.15). With hot-iron branding, the marks are very visible and permanent. However,
there is the risk of making injuries to the animal if improperly done.

Tattooing: This is a permanent identification that is common in all species and it
involves marking an identification number, letter or both into the skin of the animal
by using an indelible ink. The tattooing instrument uses numbers and letters with a
dye made up of sharp needle-like projection that is secured on the application pliers.
Ear tattooing is common in cattle, pigs and rabbits. It is normally applied to animals
with light skin under the ears. The advantage of this method is permanence once
used. Figure 11.4 (e) shows ear tattoo.

Figure 11.4 (e): Tattoo in the ear
Castration: This can be defined as the inactivation or removal of male gonads
(testicles). Castration is done for the aim of rendering the animal docile and easily
manageable; improving the shape of neck muscle, elimination of inferior males as
breeders, removing bad smell in meat such as boar taint, improving animal fattening
and to prevent unplanned mating. However, castration as a practice in meat producing
animals is only necessary if the animals are slaughtered after attainment of sexual
maturity. Moreover, there are customers who prefer uncastrated males. Therefore,
one needs to know and satisfy his/her customers.

There are two methods used in castration.
(a) Open castration: In this method, the scrotal sac is opened and the testes are
removed. Animals are castrated using this method as their male reproductive
systems dictate. The materials used are sharp knife, razor blade, surgical blade
and disinfectant.

(b) Closed castration: In this method, scrotal sac is left intact but the spermatic
cords are blocked or cut using rubber ring and burdizzo, respectively. The
method of rubber ring is applied in young ruminant males within the first week
of birth and not more than 10 days of age. Procedures of castrating a calf, lamb
and kid using rubber ring is as follows:

Student’
Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
253

10/01/2025 12:32
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 253
AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 253 10/01/2025 12:32