METHODS OF RESTRAINT AND COMMON OPERATIONS 253 



of straps. A self-locking chain pulley is the most satisfactory 

 method of regulating the height. It should be suspended from 

 an overhead beam or ring. Such an arrangement is so easy to 

 operate that a boy can raise a heavy animal without assistance. 



CASTRATING 



Castration is the unsexing of the male and consists in the re- 

 moval of both testicles. Its objects are to prevent reproduction, 

 to increase the fattening propensity, and to make the animal 

 more docile and easier to handle. Food-producing animals 

 produce a better quality of meat when castrated. The operation 

 is not attended with danger, if performed while the animal is 

 young, unless there is a hernia of the bowel into the inguinal 

 canal or scrotum, or the usual precautions to exclude wound 

 infection are neglected. Perhaps the spring is the best time of 

 year for castration, as the flies are less prevalent and the weather 

 is suitable. 



The testicles of the colt usually descend into the scrotum 

 shortly after birth. Too early removal interferes with the devel- 

 opment of masculine characteristics. It is the custom to post- 

 pone castration until the colt is at least one year old. Colts are 

 less difficult to handle on account of their size, and are more 

 resistant to wound infections than mature stallions. The opera- 

 tion may be performed either in the standing or recumbent posi- 

 tion. Fractious animals had better be thrown and securely tied 

 to prevent injuring themselves or the operator. Further advan- 

 tages are that the field of operation can be more thoroughly 

 cleansed and subsequent wound infection prevented. 



Calves, lambs, and pigs should be castrated while they are 

 young; the best time is between six to eight weeks of age, as there 

 is less danger of checking growth. 



The emasculator and ecraseur are the two instruments given 

 preference in America for castrating. Undoubtedly the im- 

 proved emasculator is used more generally. It has the advantage 

 of simplicity in construction, so is easy to sterilize and use. It is 

 designed to crush the tissues before it cuts them and thus pre- 

 vents serious hemorrhage. The ecraseur has a chain loop, which 

 is gradually screwed down over the spermatic vessels by turning 

 the handle. 



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