CHAPTER VI. 



CASTRATION OF THE BULL 



Objects and Indications — Tlie operation is usually performed for purely 

 eeononiie purjjoses. However, in some instances, on account of diseased 

 conditions of the scrotum, testicle and spermatic cord, it becomes necessary 

 to castrate. Some l)ulls become so vicious as to b? a source of danger 

 and annoyance to tlieir owners and attendants, and castration must 

 be resorted to. As an economic operation, especially in j-oung' animals, its 

 value is beyond estimate. Castration increases physical development and 

 hastens early growth as well as improving the texture, odor, wliolesome- 

 ness and nutritive properties of the Ijeef. Bulls are also castrated for the 

 purjjose of producing work oxen. Another very important result of castra- 

 tion is tlie removal of inferior or scrub bulls from the herd. 



Castrated bulls are known as steers. 



Age — From several days to several j'ears. The j'omiger the lietter. ]\Iost 

 calves are submitted to the operation when about two to three months 

 of age. 



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

 never be submitted to castration during "fly time." Bovine animals do 

 not possess the same instinct in protecting themselves from flies, by ward 

 ing them oft' with the tail, as does the equine species. On this account late 

 spring, early fall and summer are unfavorable seasons for castrating this 

 class of animals. 



Preparation — No special preparation is necessary unless the animal is 

 to be cast and tied, in which event have the alimentary tract emjitj' by 

 ^vitllllolding■ feed for twenty-four hours before operating. 



CASTRATION OF THE BTtlL IN THE RECUMBENT POSTURE 



Restraint — When it becomes necessary to cast and tie the animal for this 

 operation an excellent method of doing so is with the Conkey self-locking 

 hobbles. (Pigs. 64, 65.) 



These hobbles have the advantages of being strong, safe, ciuickly applied 

 and easily removed. The degree of restraint afforded hy them is ample, 

 especiall.y when used in conjunction with an eighteen-foot rope. The 

 animal may be east and tied on either the right or left side, at the option 

 of the operator. In applying hobble straps to cattle always buckle or loop 

 them above the fetlocks, otherwise there is a tendency for them to slip 

 over the foot and off. In casting on the right side as in Pig. (if), liobbles 



