Vol. 10, Special Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
Dr. VN Gautam, Dr. GP Lakhani, Dr. Akalank Jain, Dr. Akash Dandotiya and Dr. Shashi Pradhan

Abstract:
Castration in males consists of the removal of the testes or the inhibition of testicular function. Although the prevalence of castration in pigs varies from country to country, it is generally a routine practice that is performed surgically. Surgical castration is an acute stressor that can affect the behavior, endocrine and immune responses of pigs. Therefore, it may impair the health and welfare of these animals. This could be of particular concern at weaning, which constitutes a severe nutritional, physical and psychological stressor often associated with increased disease susceptibility. The present investigation was undertaken to elucidate the effect of castration on the performance of crossbred pigs. Total 20 weaned male piglets of 2 months age pertaining to Large White Yorkshire crosses with desi pigs were procured and randomly allotted to two groups (Castrated and uncastrated) containing 10 pigs each. Pigs were kept at piggery unit from 15 December 2009 to May 2010 of Livestock farm, Adhartal, Jabalpur. Growth parameters were taken at fortnight intervals. The carcass weight and dressing percentage for the castrated and uncastrated groups are given is found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in castrated (48.69 ± 0.36) than the uncastrated (47.91 ± 0.31). Similarly, the dressing percentage was also found to be higher in the castrated groups (71.09 ± 0.25) than the uncastrated groups (68.21 ± 0.39) respectively. The mean ± S.E. of height in castrated and uncastrated groups of pigs at different fortnight intervals 6.5 months 27.81a ± 0.09, 26.01 ± 0.18 respectively. The chest girth (Inc.) from 56 to 195 days of age in castrated and uncastrated groups are 6.5 months 38.70a ± 0.16,37.24b ± 0.12 respectively.