Castration Services for Cattle, Horses, Goats, Sheep & Pigs

Professional, Humane Surgical Care for Herd Health and Livestock Management

Castration is a vital management practice in livestock and equine care. Whether you're raising animals for production, breeding control, or behavior management, castration offers long-term benefits for both animals and handlers. At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we provide safe, humane, and effective castration services for cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and horses—performed either in-clinic or on your farm, depending on the species and situation.

What Is Castration?

Castration is the surgical or chemical removal of the testicles in male animals. It prevents reproduction and significantly impacts behavior, growth patterns, and meat quality in many species. It is one of the most common and necessary procedures in herd and individual animal management.

Species-Specific Castration Information

Cattle

  • Typically done at a young age (under 6 months preferred)
  • Improves meat quality by lowering testosterone
  • Reduces aggression and risk of injury to handlers and other animals

Horses (Gelding)

  • Usually performed between 6–12 months of age, but can be done later
  • Essential for reducing stallion-like behavior, aggression, and safety concerns
  • Promotes better trainability and herd compatibility

Goats & Sheep

  • Often castrated within the first few weeks of life
  • Helps reduce strong odors (especially in bucks)
  • Improves behavior and prevents accidental breeding

Pigs (Boars)

  • Typically done within the first 7–14 days of life for meat-quality purposes
  • Prevents “boar taint,” a strong odor and taste in pork
  • Reduces aggressive and mounting behavior as pigs mature

Benefits of Castration

  • Prevents unwanted breeding and accidental pregnancies
  • Reduces aggression, mounting, and other dangerous behaviors
  • Improves meat quality (particularly in pigs and cattle)
  • Simplifies herd management by reducing dominance-related issues
  • Enhances safety for handlers, animals, and equipment
  • Reduces roaming and fence damage in sexually mature males
  • Prevents certain reproductive diseases and injuries

How We Perform Castration

Our method depends on species, age, and individual health status. At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we use:

  • Sedation or general anesthesia, especially in horses and older animals
  • Sterile surgical technique to remove the testicles safely
  • Emasculators or banding, depending on species and size
  • Pain management, including anti-inflammatories and anesthetics
  • Antibiotics and aftercare instructions to prevent infection and promote healing

Why You Shouldn’t Castrate Animals Yourself

While at-home castration is still practiced in some settings, it poses significant risks, especially without proper equipment, knowledge, or pain control:

  • Severe bleeding or hemorrhage
  • Infection or tetanus from non-sterile tools or conditions
  • Pain and distress due to lack of sedation or anesthesia
  • Incomplete castration leading to retained testicles and hormonal issues
  • Legal and animal welfare concerns in many areas

Improper castration can lead to long-term complications, expensive corrective surgery, or animal death. Having a trained veterinarian perform the procedure ensures the best outcome for both your animal and your operation.

When Is the Best Time to Castrate?

Earlier is usually better, especially in livestock, as younger animals:

  • Recover more quickly
  • Experience less stress
  • Have reduced complication rates
  • Require less sedation or restraint

For horses, timing may vary based on development and behavior. We’re happy to discuss the ideal timing based on your animal’s breed, age, and use.

What to Expect After Castration

Post-operative care depends on the species and method used but generally includes:

  • Limited activity for a few days to prevent swelling or injury
  • Monitoring for bleeding, swelling, or discharge
  • Pain medication or anti-inflammatories as needed
  • Wound care instructions (especially for open techniques)
  • A follow-up exam if healing is delayed or concerns arise

We’ll provide you with specific guidance based on your animal and the setting (field vs. clinic).

Schedule Safe, Professional Castration Services

From individual animals to full herds, we provide expert castration services tailored to your needs. Our team offers convenient on-site care and in-clinic procedures for horses and small livestock—ensuring safe, professional treatment every time.

Call us today at (337) 893-8522 to schedule an appointment or ask about farm call availability.