Over two consecutive years, a total of 111 Limousinx Simmental crossbred male beef calves was included in the study. Sixty-six and 45 calves born between May and August were examined in year 1 and 2, respectively. The dams were Simmental cows and the calves were offspring from 18 (year 1) and 23 (year 2) different Limousin bulls. In each year at the end of the pasture season at an average age of 213 days (SE 3.3) and weight of 253 kg (SE 5.3) the calves were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design with the 2 factors weaning and castration. Calves were either weaned in week-8 (Bull-8; N = 27); weaned in week-8 and castrated in week 0 (Cas-8; N = 26); weaned in week 0(Bull-0; N = 29); or weaned and castrated in week 0 (Cas-0;N = 29).