Burdizzo method

10.10.2 Burdizzo method Castration is best done in the field by using the “burdizzo”, a special clamp which crushes the spermatic cord and blood vessels leading to the testicles, without cutting or wounding the scrotum skin. The crushing causes the testicles to shrink and stop producing sperm. The advantage of this method is that there is no open wound. The disadvantage is the need for a special instrument, and if the burdizzo is used improperly, the scrotum may become infected or the testicles might not shrink (so that the animal is not castrated).

There are different sized burdizzos: small ones for sheep/goats; and large ones for cattle/buffalo. On a large animal, closing the burdizzo requires some strength and may require a helper. Or one handle of the burdizzo may be placed on the ground or on the technician's knee. A burdizzo should never be used on a horse. The spermatic cord must be crushed at different levels (see diagram below) to ensure that the blood vessels which travel down the center of the cord and supply the scrotum with blood won't be crushed. If you crush these blood vessels, the entire scrotum may fall off and infection may occur.

A burdizzo crushes the spermatic cord and vessels without breaking the skin. Crush each side at different levels to avoid crushing the blood vessels in the middle that supply the scrotum.

Burdizzo method for bulls, goats, and sheep:

 Restrain the animal.

 Grasp the spermatic cord.

 Hold the spermatic cord tightly against the side of the skin to prevent it from slipping sideways.

 Close the burdizzo until it clicks shut over about 1/3 of the skin covering the cord. Avoid crushing the center part of the cord which contains vessels supplying the scrotum with blood.

 Hold the burdizzo closed for several seconds and then release.

 For extra assurance, crush the cord again about one cm above (or below) the first crush.

 Repeat the procedure for the spermatic cord on the other side. However, crush the cord at different levels on the other side to ensure that blood will continue to reach the scrotum. Do not crush all the skin across both cords at the same level, since this will crush the blood vessels and the whole scrotum will die and become infected.

 Apply anti-fly ointment onto the area which has been crushed to prevent maggot infestation.