Piglet Castration Tips:
≤ 10 days of age
- Why? Convenience – you can do this yourself. Speedy recovery if done correctly.
- Canadian Pig Code of Practice REQUIRES a pain killer (Oral or injectable Meloxicam is a good option)
- Confirm there are 2 descended testicles (a retained undescended testicle can still breed and cause boar taint if not surgically castrated)
- Use STERILE NEW scalpels every litter
- Consider an antibiotic at castration
- Good time for iron injections as well – yes, even for outdoor pigs (ideally before 1 week of age)
- Have a safe place to perform procedure away from sow
- Risks: herniation with procedure, post op surgical site infection, joint infection
- Post Op Care: piglets should be somewhere warm, clean, and able to nurse
> 10 days of age
- Why? Waited too long/uncomfortable doing it yourself/waiting to choose replacement breeding boars/undescended testicle/needs hernia repair
- Canadian Pig Code of Practice REQUIRES anesthetic and a pain killer
- Performed by a licensed veterinarian (can be done on farm or in a clinic)
- DO NOT restrain large pigs and cut without anesthetic. This is dangerous for them and you, it’s cruel, and complication risk is high.
- Good time for vaccines/dewormer
Check out this teaching video on HOW to do it yourself: https://youtu.be/qPkIzjrgqzU
