MAR 12 1917 



CASTRATION OF YOUNG PIGS. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 



Page. 



4 

 6 



Age at which to castrate 

 Preparation 



3 Method of operating 



3 Pigs ruptured in the scrotum 



This publication deals with castration, or the removal of the 

 essential organs of male pigs. The objects of castration are to pre- 

 vent reproduction, to increase fattening propensity, to better the 

 quality of the meat of the animal, and to help insure docility. Every 

 farmer should be competent to castrate pigs, as the losses from the 

 operation are as a rule not very heavy and could be reduced by exer- 

 cising care and attention. 



Pigs should be castrated while they are young; the best time is 

 between G and 8 weeks of age, before weaning. At this age there is 

 Jess shock to the pig and possibly less check in growth. If it is still 

 sucking its dam when castration takes place the chances are that it 

 will be more thrifty and in better condition than when the operation 

 is performed immediately after weaning. A pig 6, 7, or 8 weeks old 

 is small enough to be handled conveniently and the testicles are large 

 enough to render the operation quite simple. 



Select a clear, dry day to perform the operation; it should never 

 be done on a rainy day. When it is possible to do so, avoid castrating 

 during " fly time " or in extremely cold weather. 



All the pigs that are to be castrated should be put into a pen just 

 large enough to hold them, so as to facilitate catching and lessen the 

 excitement among the animals. Another pen should be prepared to 

 received the castrated ones. If they are to be kept in a house pen it 

 should be clean, dry, and free from dust, and a small quantity of 

 clean, dry straw should be scattered in it. If a pasture lot is to be 

 used, select one that is free from mudholes and wallows and contains 

 some grass. 



6186(5° — 16 3 



AGE AT WHICH TO CASTRATE. 



PREPARATION. 



