CHAPTER XXVI 

 CASTRATION OF THE BIRD (CAPONIZING) 



There are great possibilities in the more extended practice of 

 capon production. The fact that there is a growing demand, 

 as their value as a superior meat product over the cock or 

 cockerel, and the fact that they bring about thirty cents a 

 pound, while the uncastrated bird brings only about fifteen 

 cents, together with the fact that they become very much 

 larger, makes this phase of poultry husbandry a productive 

 and remunerative one. 



The male bird, after the removal of his reproductive organs, 

 loses his masculine appearance, becomes sluggish, and, as a 

 result of his inactivities, gains weight rapidly. 



From the loss of that internal secretion manufactured in the 

 testes we note that there is the same difference which is observed 

 in other animals under the same treatment. The develop- 

 ment of the gelding, as compared to the horse, and the barrow, 

 as compared to the boar, are some concrete examples. 



Ovariectomy results in the assumption of male characters 

 by the operated female. 



It was noted that in some capons kept several years, the 

 comb and wattles began to grow, after eighteen months of age, 

 eventually reaching a large size. These birds crow and ex- 

 hibit sexual relations. 



Castrated drakes assume the plumage of the normal male. 

 The castrated drake does not assume the summer plumage, 

 although molting frequently always retain the so-called 

 breeding plumage. The ovariectomized duck assumes male 

 characteristics. 



The spayed pullet appears much like a capon but has short 

 legs. The comb and wattles may become relatively large. 



It appears that while both testes and ovaries develop an 

 internal secretion, yet their effect is quite different. 



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