36 Animal Castration 



CHAPTER II. 



CASTRATION OF THE COLT. 



Definition — What is here meant by castration of colts is un- 

 sexing male animals of the equine species less than twent}^ months 

 of age. 



Objects and Indications — Same as stallion. (See page 14.) 



Age — The testicle does not usually descend into the scrotum 

 to a noticeable degree until the colt is at least eight or ten months 

 old. From the standpoint of danger the earlier the operation 

 the safer. From the viewpoint of development and symmetry it 

 is not well to operate too early. Viewing the problem from every 

 angle, the preferable age at which to castrate a colt is ten to twelve 

 months. However, it may be done earlier or even later. 



Season — Spring and early fall. 



Preparation — Same as stallion. (See page 14.) 



Restraint — Since colts should usually be castrated in the re- 

 cumbent posture — primarily on account of the uncertainty of de- 

 scent of testicle into scrotum — it becomes necessary to cast and 

 tie them. Of all the casting harness and hobbles used for this 

 class of operation there is no doubt but what the "Miles' Colt 

 Hobbles" possess many advantages over all others. Hence the 

 Miles method of casting colts is recommended and will be described. 



"Farmer" Miles' Method of Casting a Colt — Fig. 22 represents 

 the Miles' colt hobbles applied (first position). The hobbles of 

 Miles' consist of four loop hobbles and a main rope. These are of 

 the loop variety. The material used in making the loops may be 

 either rawhide (plaited), leather, or rope. These hobbles are each 

 from fifteen to eighteen inches long and are applied by looping. 

 The main rope is three-fourths inch cotton, and eighteen feet long. 



