Sheep and Goat

Castration and Banding

Banding is the common way to castrate lambs and kids and to dock lamb tails on Canadian farms, and it needs only two things: the rubber rings and the pliers that stretch them. Pipestone Farm Supply lists a bag of 100 Sharpex elastrator rings, the Sharpvet elastrator pliers with a blue plastic body, and the Sharpvet stainless steel elastrator pliers for a tool that will be washed and used season after season. Band young animals at the age your veterinarian recommends, confirm both testicles are below the ring before releasing it, and follow the Canadian Codes of Practice for sheep and goats on pain control and timing; your veterinarian can advise on what is available. Rings harden with age and sun, so keep them sealed in a cool, dark place and replace old stock each lambing season. Orders ship Canada-wide from Millet, Alberta, or pick up in store.