10 ANIMAL CASTRATION 



sexes together without difficulty, which would be im- 

 possible if the males were left entire; to regulate the 

 reproductive numbers and thereby seek to elevate the 

 standard of any given species; and to obviate dangers 

 of accidents and injuries occasioned by the instinctive 

 combat between males. The second reason for animal 

 castration is to work for the otherwise impossible cor- 

 rection of certain pathological conditions, such as in- 

 fectious orchitis, and in some cases of strangulated 

 hernia of the breeding male. 



Castration has a marked effect upon the conforma- 

 tion of animals and viewed from the economical stand- 

 point, this result is beneficial. Conformation is mate- 

 rially altered, and where the animal is castrated at an 

 early age, the type is not so strongly developed as in 

 the case of the unaltered subject. Geldings do not 

 possess the physical maturity of stallions, being less 

 powerful in appearance and lacking the large, mas- 

 culine facial features of the stallion. The neck is more 

 slender, the crest somewhat imdeveloped, and the mus- 

 cularity of the breast and forearms is not so pro- 

 nounced, — in short, the entire body partakes of a finer 

 and more feminine type. A similar but less observable 

 condition occurs with respect to the unsexed female. 

 This is true, in varying degrees, of all animals. 



The character of the flesh of a castrated animal is 

 also materially different from that of the uncas+rated, 

 the flesh of the steer having a better flavor and being 

 more tender and edible than that of a bull. This is 

 particularly noticeable in the flesh of swine, — the meat 

 of the entire male hog or one castrated after attaining 

 maturity, having a characteristic odor and being not 

 really palatable. 



The flow of milk is said to be appreciably prolonged 

 in cows that have been spayed, but it is doubtful if 



