Ringing goat kids, or 'young stock,' is a method used for their castration before reaching sexual maturity. An elastic ring restricts blood flow to the testicles and scrotum, leading to their necrosis and shedding in about two weeks. If you've never rung a kid before, it's advisable to seek help from a veterinarian or an experienced farmer.
Purchasing Tools
Step 1. Buy an emasculator from a farm supply store.
Purchase an emasculator from a farm supply store. This metal tool is used to secure a rubber ring around the scrotum.
Step 2. Buy castration rings.
Buy castration rings. Do not use household office supplies for ringing. The ring should be thick and tight enough to ensure castration in a few weeks.
- Store the castration rings in the refrigerator until use. This will prevent the rubber from cracking.
Step 3. Ask your local veterinarian for pain relief and tetanus antitoxin.
Request pain relief and tetanus antitoxin from your local veterinarian. You will also need antibacterial spray in case of infection. If any signs of infection appear, take the kid to the vet.
Securing the Bandage
Step 1. Plan to castrate the kid within the first 8 weeks after birth.
Plan to castrate the kid within the first 8 weeks after birth. By this time, the kids reach sexual maturity and may start breeding the does. An uncastrated male goat is called a “buck.”
- Before ringing the kid, ensure that both testicles have descended. If a testicle is still in the abdominal cavity, you may have kids with a short scrotum.
Step 2. Administer a dose of adult aspirin or an injection of Benamin thirty minutes before the procedure.
Administer a dose of adult aspirin or an injection of Benamin thirty minutes before the procedure. Ringing can be painful for the kid, so it's recommended to use anti-inflammatories to reduce discomfort. To further alleviate pain, use lidocaine to numb the area during the ringing.
Step 3. Inject 1 cc of tetanus antitoxin as a preventive measure against tetanus.
Step 4. Soak the castration rings in alcohol for 5 minutes before placing them in the emasculator.
Step 5. Ask a friend to help you by holding the kid.
Ask a friend to assist by holding the kid. Have the kid sit on your helper's lap with its belly up and its front hooves restrained.
Step 6. Secure the rubber ring with the front teeth of the emasculator.
Secure the rubber ring with the front teeth of the emasculator. Squeeze the handles of the emasculator to stretch the ring.
Step 7. Place the scrotum and testicles inside the rubber ring.
Position the scrotum and testicles within the rubber ring. Move the handles of the emasculator closer to the base of the scrotum.
Step 8. Before releasing the emasculator, ensure both testicles are inside the ring.
Before loosening the emasculator, confirm that both testicles are inside the ring. Also, ensure that the teats are outside the ring.
Step 9. Slowly release the grip of the emasculator.
Gradually release the grip of the emasculator. Keep it sterile to avoid infections.
Removing the Scrotum
Step 1. Immediately after ringing, cut the ring if you believe it was placed incorrectly.
Immediately after ringing, cut the ring if you believe it was placed incorrectly. Do not wait for constriction. If a teat has entered the ring, or if the testicles were pushed out, you need to reposition the ring correctly.
Step 2. Inspect the kid daily for signs of infection.
Daily check the kid for signs of infection. If the area appears too inflamed, apply antiseptic spray. Use pain relief beforehand, as the procedure is painful for the kid.
Step 3. Ensure the scrotum begins to necrose.
Ensure that the scrotum starts to necrose. The scrotum will begin to dry out. If the scrotum hangs by a thin strip of skin, you may need to surgically remove it with a scalpel and apply antiseptic.
