Performance of Burdizzo Castrated Young Sokoto Gudali Bulls Raised in the Feedlot

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of castration on growth performance, behaviour and carcass characteristics of young bulls. A total of twenty-four young Sokoto Gudali bulls, ranging in age from 1.5 to 2.0 years and weighing between 175 and 185 kg at live, were used for the study and randomly assigned to two treatments: intact – control (CTR) and or burdizzo castration (BURD). The groups were administered Digitaria smutsii hay as needed, along with concentrate (2 % of body weight). The ninety-day feedng trial ended with the bulls being slaughtered. Castration did not significantly(P>0.05) affect growth rate but intact bulls slightly had significant higher (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio. Castration reduced agonistic and sexual behaviours and testosterone levels were significantly lowwer (P>0.05) in castrated bulls. Carcass characteristics showed that castration increased fat deposition and reduced (P>0.05) muscle tissue. Meat chemical composition revealed that intact bulls had higher (P<0.05) protein and water content while castrated bulls had higher (P<0.05) fat content. The results of this study suggest that castration affects growth pefomance, behavior and carcass characteristics of bulls and that intact bulls have better meat quality.