Surgical Procedures in Pigs

Castration in the Piglet with a Piglet Holder

 

General anatomy of the male reproductive tract.   In addition note that the pig’s testes are ‘upside’ down.

No anaesthesia is required if the piglet is castrated before 3 weeks of age. 

 

    Front             Back

Using a piglet holder from some 12 cm diameter polypipe.  Leave 10 cm entire and cut away 30 cm as a back support blade.

Place the piglet head down into the holder which is supported on a pole on the processing cart.

Restrain the waist with tape with Velcro.  The tape is bolted onto the back of the blade – see arrow left picture.

Pick up the blade and hold the hind legs down.  This exposes the testicles.

Examine for any hernia or defect of the testicles.  If present stop the castration or change technique

Using a blade cutting away from yourself cut into each scrotum.

Cut the into the right and then the left scrotum.  Use a firm stroke mid scrotum.

With a firm grasp remove each testicle with a twist and a pull.

Ensure no tag is left hanging.  Consider spraying the wound with iodine.

Once castrated the piglet should be returned immediately to his mother.