Castration

Castration, the surgical removal of the two testicles, is a routine management practice for male pigs destined for slaughter. The testicles produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone. Pork from boars, or uncastrated male pigs at slaughter weight, may have an odor during cooking that is very offensive to many people. This is called a ``boar odor'' or a ``tainted'' odor. Various techniques are used for castration. The position of the animal during surgery and …

…excess bleeding or the presence of tissue or intestines (hernia). Cut off any cord that may be protruding from the incision as this may serve as a wick for infection but make sure it is not intestine. If intestines protrude, gently push them back through the opening and close up by suturing the tunica vaginalis. It is much easier to replace the intestines if the tunica vaginalis covering the testicle is not removed during castration.