calf castration

[vixann]

Does anyone know if there is a size guide for which burdizzo clamps to use against age/size of calf?

 

[GreedyGuts]

It shouldn't make much difference, the size of the structures you are intending to clamp don't change greatly with age within the period of time when the use of a burdizzo is appropriate. I have always found smaller ones easier to manipulate.

 

[vixann]

well we have a 16" pair at the mo but not the easiest to handle so wondered if we could go smaller - i know the 9" are one handed but would these be too small or would it depend on age of calf?

 

[kiteman0]

I've always used the larger ones.
I use 2 hands to make sure the job is done right.

 

[GreedyGuts]

I have used the small 9 inch ones for little calves and they do the job but you do have to be careful that the vessels don't slip over the shallower edge of the jaw as you close them. I usually do 2 staggered pinches each side to minimise the chance of failure. Our current set are about 12 inches. I prefer to have one hand on the scrotum and one on the burdizzo, and with these I can generally shut them one handed with a bit of help from my thigh which usually ends up black and bruised!