[Comparison of two castration methods in cattle: plasma cortisol levels, leukocyte count and behavioral changes]

Two methods of castration (surgical and Burdizzo method) of male calves were compared by measuring plasma cortisol concentrations. Increased plasma cortisol values were found only during the first three hours after castration. There were no significant differences in plasma cortisol values and changes of behaviour between groups of surgical and Burdizzo castrated calves. Plasma cortisol values did not decrease during the first days after castration. The results suggest, that surgical and Burdizzo-castration do not differ in regard to pain.