CHAPTER XXIX 



CASTRATING 



This is a necessary matter that must be looked after, not only 

 by the farmer who breeds for the general market, but by the 

 breeder of pure-bred hogs as well. The best time for this opera- 

 tion is during the early period of the pig's life and at weaning 

 time, for best results, and not left until the pig is six or seven 

 months of age, or older. It is not so apt to be neglected by the 

 farmer or feeder of market hogs, as by the breeder of pure-breds. 

 It is astonishing, however, in either case, to see the great improve- 

 ment after early castration, compared to a pig of the same litter 

 left uncastrated. Some of the greatest barrows ever shown at the 

 International Show in Chicago were selected, not so much for their, 

 superior merit at weaning time, but because they were not quite up 

 to the standard to carry on and sell as breeders ; yet after this op- 

 eration their development so far outstripped the litter mates that 

 there was no comparison. On the other hand, how often we see 

 especially at shows where a large amount of money is put up for 

 prizes a barrow that really is nothing more nor less than a 

 ' ' stag, ' ' and evidently kept by the breeder for a long time, thinking 

 he could be sold for a breeder, but not developing just right, he 

 was finally castrated and fitted for a barrow show. The expert 

 barrow Judge, however, soon discovers this fact and avoids much 

 further attention to him in the ring. 



A Practical Method. Wash the parts clean with pure water to 

 which has been added any good coal tar dip, making it rather 

 strong, and with a sharp knife make an incision over both testicles 

 as small as possible, to remove the testicles, and low down, so as 

 to drain thoroughly. Press the testicles through the openings, 

 drawing the cords well out, and scrape apart rather than cut them 

 off. 



Then, with a soft cloth, cover the parts with full strength coal 

 tar dip, and if the operation has been perfectly clean, the pig will 

 be entirely well in a week or so, without any bad after-effects. 



Spaying 1 . This is an operation on the female and is not often 

 practiced. In fact, I seldom hear of a bunch of sows being spayed. 

 It is an operation that requires much more care and knowledge, 

 than castration of males. 



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