228 



CASTRATION. 



in five cases was only partially successful. After castration the 

 broad uterine ligaments again become tense, the milk secretion and 

 character of the meat improve, and the proportion of fat in the 

 milk increases. 



At the present time the vaginal method is almost exclusively 



H. A.W. 



Fig. 251.— Transverse section of the posterior abdominal region in a 

 vertical plane. The subject is a mare, and the section passes just in 

 front of the first lumbar vertebra. The figure shows the position of 

 the uterus as seen from below and 'that of the ovaries above the 

 broad uterine ligament. 



o. Ovary, h. Horns of the uterus, u. Uterus, b.it.l. Broad 

 uterine ligament, r. Rectum, a.w. Abdominal wall. p. Pelvis. 

 i.l.v. First lumbar vertebra. 



employed for mares and milch cows ; but calves, heifers, sows, and 

 bitches, in which the vaginal cavity is too small for this operation, are 

 spayed through the flank, or abdominal floor. To obtain the best 

 results with cows the subjects should have attained their maximum 

 yield of milk and be from five to seven years old. The best period 

 for operation is six weeks to two and a half months after calving. 



