92 Animal Castration 



CHAPTER VII. 



CASTRATION OP THE BULL. 



Objects and Indications — The operation is usually performed 

 for purely economic purposes. However, in some instances, on 

 account of diseased conditions of the scrotum, testicle and sper- 

 matic cord, it becomes necessary to castrate. On the other hand 

 some bulls become vicious to the extent of being a source of 

 danger and annoyance to their owners and attendants, in which 

 event castration must be resorted to. As an economic operation 

 — especially in young animals — its value is beyond estimate. Cas- 

 tration increases physical development and hastens early growth 

 as well as improving the texture, odor, wholesomeness and nutri- 

 tive properties of the beef. Bulls are also castrated for the pur- 

 pose of making work oxen. 



Castrated bulls are known as "steers." 



Age — From several days to several years. The younger the 

 better. Most calves are submitted to the operation at about two 

 to three months old. 



Season — Early spring, late fall and winter. The bull or calf 

 should never be submitted to castration operation during "fly 

 time." Bovine animals do not possess the same instinct in pro- 

 tecting themselves from flies — by warding them off with tail — 

 as does the equine species. On this account late spring, early fall 

 and summer are unfavorable seasons for castrating this class of 

 animals. Bulls are castrated in both the standing and recumbent 

 posture. 



Preparation — No special preparation is necessary unless the ani- 

 mal is to be east and tied, in which event have the alimentary 

 tract empty by withholding feed for 24 hours before operating. 



CASTRATION OP THE BULL IN THE RECUMBENT POSTURE. 



Restraint — When it becomes necessary to cast and tie the ani- 

 mal for this operation an excellent method of doing so is with 

 the Conkey self -lock buckle hobbles. (Pig. 64.) 



