154 



ANniAL CASTRATION 



fows (.'Oiitaiiis an increased amount of oreani, casein and snii'ai'. It is more 

 lialatable and more wliolesome than milk frcmi unspaycd cows. When lac- 

 tation finally ceases a spayed cow readily takes on fat and is easdy put m 

 shape for the bntcher. The results attained wherever the operation has 

 been practised justify its more general adoption. 



Age — For treatment of nymphomania cows are spayed regardless of age. 

 For increasing the duration of the lactation period it is best to operate 

 after the udder has attained its full development and while at the height 

 of lactation, i. e., when the second or third calf is about three to four weeks 



Fig. 140 — Cow tied to a fence for the spaying operation. 



old. Some cows are in their prime with the second calf, others not until 

 the third calf. The udder never develops and the milk flow never increaises 

 after spaying, hen(.'e it behooves the operator not to make a mistake in se- 

 lecting the time to operate. Never operate during the estral period. 



Season — Since the vaginal operation is the method recommended, the sea- 

 son does not play an important part. The spaying may be done with safety 

 at any season. 



Preparaiioii — The alimentary tract, especially the rectum, should be 

 empty. Hence it is necessary to withhold feed for thirty hours previous 

 to operating. Immediately before operating the rectum should be emptied 

 either by "back raking" or by a copious enema. 



Restraint — The operation should always be performed with the animal 



