Student Case Presentation
Assessing the Effect of Pain Mitigation on Acute Physiological and Behavioral Indicators in Band-Castrated Neonatal Bull Calves
| Date/Time: |
8/27/2026 1:30 pm
|
| Presenter: |
Emma Prybylski |
| Veterinary School: |
MN |
Abstract:
Castration is a routine management practice in the U.S. cattle industry that is associated with acute pain and welfare concerns, particularly in neonatal calves. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain mitigation, novel approaches such as lidocaine-impregnated elastrator bands (Lidoband™) have recently become available. However, data evaluating their efficacy in neonatal calves are limited. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different pain mitigation strategies on acute physiological and behavioral indicators following band castration. Beef × dairy bull calves (n=93, 31 per group) were enrolled at a commercial calf-rearing facility and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: band-only (BO), band plus oral meloxicam (B+N), or Lidoband™ (LIDO). At enrollment, an accelerometer (IceQube, Peacock Technology Ltd, Scotland) was attached to the left hind limb to continuously record standing and lying time, lying bouts, and motion index. Outcomes included serum haptoglobin (d0 and 3), serum total protein (d3), calf health score (Wisconsin Calf Health Scoring System; d 0–3), and scrotal circumference (d 0–3). Behavioral responses within one minute post-banding (kicks, tail flicks, struggle, vocalization) were also recorded. Calves exited the study 3 days post-banding upon transport. Scrotal circumference and haptoglobin increased following castration (p<0.05), with no differences among treatments. No treatment effects were observed for most health or behavioral outcomes, except calves in the BO group demonstrated greater activity (motion index; p=0.003), suggesting increased discomfort compared to LIDO and B+N calves. Lidoband™ calves had increased odds of fever compared to BO calves (p=0.02). These findings support the use of pain mitigation strategies during neonatal castration to reduce acute behavioral indicators of pain, with no clear advantage for the evaluated strategies. This work provides data to guide pain management practices for bovine veterinarians and producers.
