164 Animal Castration 



CHAPTER II. 



Cow, Heifer and Calf Spaying. 



cow SPAYING. 



Objects and Indications — Cows are spayed for two principal 

 reasons: 1st, to correct that disagreeable condition known as 

 nymphomania ; 2d, to increase duration of lactation period. Spay- 

 ing is the only rational treatment for nymphomania, and cows 

 thus affected should always be submitted to the operation or else 

 sent to the butcher. While the operation has not been generally 

 and extensively practiced as a means of controlling lactation, 

 nevertheless it is a well recognized fact that spaying a milch cow 

 during the height of lactation will not only cause her lactation 

 period to last for from 2 to 3 years — uninterrupted by oestrum and 

 pregnancy — but the quantity and quality of the milk is increased 

 and improved. Milk from spayed cows contains an increased 

 amount of cream, caseine and sugar. It is more palatable and more 

 wholesome than milk from unspayed cows. When lactation final- 

 ly ceases a spayed cow readily takes on fat and is easily put in 

 shape for the butcher. The results attained wherever the opera- 

 tion has been practiced justifies its more general adoption. 



Age — For treatment of nymphomania they are spayed regard- 

 less of age. For increasing duration of lactation period it is best 

 to operate after the udder has attained its full development and 

 while at height of lactation. This would mean when the second or 

 third calf is about 3 to 4 weeks old. Some cows are in their prime 

 with second calf, while others are not until the third calf. The 

 udder never develops and the milk flow never increases after 

 spaying, hence it behooves the operator not to make a mistake in 

 selecting the proper time to operate. Never operate during the 

 period of "heat." 



Season — Since the vaginal operation is the method recom- 

 mended the season does not play an important part. They may 

 be spayed with safety at any season. 



Preparation — The alimentary tract, especially rectum, should 



