Evaluation of the pinhole castration technique in piglets compared to the traditional open castration method

Abstract

Castration of male piglets aids in the production of high-quality meat and lessens boar taint. The purpose of the current study was to compare two castration techniques in piglets, i.e., the traditional open-covered method of castration and the pinhole castration technique with special emphasis on histopathological changes in testicles after the former castration. The pinhole castration technique involves ligating the spermatic cord with a suture percutaneously which results in atrophy and degeneration of the testicle. In piglets, both castration methods proved successful. However, as histopathology revealed avascular coagulation necrosis of all testicular parenchymal cells, the pinhole castration technique is simple, affordable, and less time-consuming and can be thought of as an alternative way of castration in piglets