DEHORNING, SPxWiNG, AND CASTRATING CATTLE 393 



When these are to be spayed, the sooner that it is done 

 within a reasonable time of the birth of the previous 

 calf, the greater will be the resultant benefit. The 

 wisdom of spaying cows that are to be sent from the 

 dairy to the block when they cease to give milk is open 

 to question. 



Methods of spaying. — Three methods of spaying 

 have been practiced. The first, known as spaying 

 through the vagina, is adapted to the spaying of large 

 animals, as cows and mares ; the second, as spaying 

 through the flank or side, sometimes practiced on heifers 

 and sows ; and the third, as spaying through the belly, 

 frequently followed in spaying heifers, sows, and bitches. 

 The object sought is, of course, to remove the ovaries. 

 They are ovoid in form and are composed of a firm and 

 dense structure which makes recognition easily possible 

 by those who have once handled them. In size, they 

 vary from a large hickory nut in mature cows to a size 

 considerably less in young heifers. 



When females are spayed through the vagina, they 

 are confined in a standing position and so that they must 

 be reasonably quiet. An opening is then cut in the 

 upper front wall of the vagina just above the neck of 

 the uterus. The left hand is inserted through the incision 

 made and the ovaries are removed with an emasculator 

 made for the purpose. One ovary is found on each side 

 of the uterus. 



When spayed by the fiank or side method heifers 

 are, in some instances, confined in a stall or stanchion 

 and on the left side are crowded against a wall. After 

 clipping off the hair, an incision 4 to 5 inches long is 

 made through the flank or properly the barrel depres- 

 sion at a point between the hook and the last rib. The 

 left hand, properly cleaned and oiled, is then inserted 

 and the ovaries removed with an emasculator or special 

 shear. The wound is then closed with two or three 

 stitches. Many operators prefer throwing the animal, 



