Impact of Burdizzo and Surgical Castration on Immune and Oxidative Stress Markers in Cattle

TL;DR

This study compares how Burdizzo and surgical castration affect inflammation and stress in cattle, finding that surgical castration may be better for animal welfare.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the physiological differences between two castration methods in cattle, focusing on immune and oxidative stress responses.

Findings

Burdizzo castration caused higher initial and prolonged inflammatory and oxidative stress responses.

Surgical castration led to faster recovery and less prolonged immune activation.

Both methods altered T-cell populations, but Burdizzo effects lasted longer.

Abstract

Castration is a routine management practice in livestock, but its impact on inflammation and stress responses varies depending on the method used. This study compares Burdizzo and surgical castration in cattle by evaluating inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and the immunological response, including immune cell subpopulations. The results indicate that Burdizzo castration induced a more severe initial inflammatory response and caused long-term immune activation. These findings provide a better understanding of the physiological response following castration, providing valuable insights for improving animal welfare and pain management strategies.

Castration is an essential procedure in beef cattle management, designed to enhance meat quality, regulate aggressiveness, and control undesirable breeding. This study compared the impacts of Burdizzo and surgical castration on the immunological, oxidative, and inflammatory responses in Angus calves. Calves were randomly assigned to the Burdizzo (n = 4) and surgical (n = 4) castration groups. Blood samples were collected before castration and 3, 6, 24, and 48 h post-castration for the measurement of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, the total antioxidant capacity, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations, including CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, and CD3+WC1+ T-cells. The results showed that Burdizzo castration caused significantly higher levels of IFN-γ at 3 and 6 h, TNF-α at 24 and 48 h, IL-10 at 3 and 24 h, and malondialdehyde at 24 h post-castration (p < 0.05), indicating more intense inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. Both methods caused alterations in CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T-cell counts, while Burdizzo castration induced longer-lasting immune activation. These findings indicate that surgical castration may provide welfare advantages by mitigating prolonged inflammation and stress and promoting faster recovery. This study offers insights into optimal castration practices prioritizing productivity and animal welfare.

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