256 MANUAL OF FAMM ANIMALS 



complications, as the organs are not fully mature ; and if 

 let go too long, the animal becomes "staggy" in appearance 

 and will not make as good a feeding calf as otherwise. Castrat- 

 ing a calf at so early an age is not a difficult task. The operation 

 may be performed with the calf standing, if one is provided with 

 "stocks" to hold him ; or in the absence of stocks, by throwing 

 the calf upon his side and holding him firm. ^ When ready, hold 

 the testicle in the left hand, and with a sharp instrument in the 

 right make a good free incision, remembering that there are two 

 thick coats that must be cut through. Now the testicle may 

 be removed by simply cutting it off, though this may be followed 

 by a hemorrhage. To avoid this, take the cord in the left hand, 

 having the cord between the thumb and the index finger. 

 Now twist the testicle several times with the right hand and 

 push with the left hand towards the body of the animal. This 

 will do away almost entirely with the bleeding. If, however, 

 this seems too difficult, scrape the cord in two instead of cutting. 

 Let the animal up, and in a few days he will be all right again. 



