StarFish Bio Services Manager, Nick Allan, and a team of researchers published an original research article in the MDPI journal Animals titled “Assessment of the Effective Tissue Concentrations of Injectable Lidocaine and a Lidocaine-Impregnated Latex Band for Castration in Calves“. The study sheds light on the efficacy of traditional pain mitigation methods for young dairy calves undergoing castration, and introduces a novel approach to alleviate discomfort during this common agricultural practice.

Castration, a non-health-related procedure performed on male calves to reduce aggression and unwanted breeding, has long been associated with pain and discomfort. However, this latest research delves into the realm of pain management, seeking to improve welfare standards for these vulnerable animals by evaluating the efficacy of traditional pain mitigation methods and introducing a novel approach utilizing lidocaine-impregnated latex bands (LLBs).

Key findings from the study:

• Injectable lidocaine provides short-term anesthesia for up to 60 minutes, underscoring the need for long-term pain management solutions.
• The introduction of lidocaine-impregnated latex bands (LLBs) demonstrates promising results, delivering effective lidocaine concentrations into scrotal tissue as early as 2 hours post-application and maintaining therapeutic levels for at least 28 days.

“These findings mark a significant advancement in our understanding of pain management for young dairy calves undergoing castration,” says Nick Allan. “By identifying effective tissue concentrations of lidocaine and introducing a novel method of delivery through LLBs, we aim to enhance welfare standards and promote sustainable practices in the dairy industry.”

The study underscores the importance of continued research and innovation in the field of agricultural animal welfare.

For more information about the study or to request interviews with the researchers, please contact:
Patrick Dean, Director Marketing, StarFish Medical, pdean@starfishmedical.com

About Animals

Animals is an international and interdisciplinary scholarly open access journal. It publishes original research articles, reviews and communications that offer substantial new insight into any field of study that involves animals, including zoology, ethnozoology, animal science, animal ethics and animal welfare.

Editorial Staff

Prof. Dr. Clive J. C. Phillips
Editor-in-Chief
Clive.Phillips@curtin.edu.au