Animal Castration: Definitions and Types

Study Notes

Castration is the surgical removal of testes (testicles) or their destruction through non-surgical techniques, leading to testicular atrophy. This is often done using tools designed specifically for the purpose.

Animal Behavior: Making the animal docile. Managing the animal more easily, particularly where females are present.
Preventing Unwanted Breeding: Preventing unwanted or unwanted offspring, controlling population.
Treatment and Correction: Addressing some medical conditions or problems.
Enhancement of Meat Production: Improving weight gain in livestock (meat animals). Improving the quality of the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Terminology: An uncastrated horse is called a colt. A castrated horse is called a gelding.
Objective: To calm the animal, essential for handling and management.
Age: Typically castrated between 12-24 months old.
Method: Surgical only (no non-surgical methods are used)

Terminology: A castrated bull is termed a steer.
Objective: Improve meat quality, influencing juiciness, tenderness, and color.
Age: Any age, but optimal results often achieved between the ages of 3 and 4 months old.
Season: Commonly done during spring or fall.
Methods: Both surgical (open, bloody) and non-surgical (closed, bloodless) methods are viable. Non-surgical methods include burdizzo, elastrator, and rubber ring banding.

Terminology: A castrated sheep is a wether.
Objective: Enhances meat and wool quality.
Age: Usually done between 2-4 weeks of age (2w).
Season: Preferably during spring and summer.
Methods: Both surgical (bloody) or non-surgical (bloodless) techniques. Non-surgical includes burdizzo, elastrator, rubber rings, knife and a tool known as an emasculator. Surgical incisions using knives may lead to post-castration infection. Non-surgical methods are preferable for minimizing complications.

Method: Crushing of the spermatic cord and blood vessels.
Attributes: Bloodless method, minimal scrotum sloughing, typically applied about 2-5 cm above each testicle.

Method: Cutting off blood circulation to testicles and scrotum. The scrotum will atrophy and slough within 3-4 weeks post-procedure.
Advantages: Suitable for relatively young animals, relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Risk of tetanus, infection, and less appropriate for older animals.

Method: Removal of the testes through a surgical incision.
Attributes: High degree of certainty in completion of the castration, requires sharp tools.
Disadvantages: Higher risk of blood loss, infection, open wounds, and increased safety risk for the handler due to using sharp blades.