Evaluation of pinhole castration technique in rams

Polled Dorset-Corriedale crossbred rams (n = 18) were randomly and equally allotted to one of the three groups and subjected to percutaneous spermatic cord ligation (group I – bilateral, II – unilateral and III – no ligation). Six months later, animals of all the groups were subjected to bilateral orchiectomy. All the ligated testicles had shrunken considerably. The scrotal circumference (mean ± S.E.) of the animals of group I reduced significantly (P < 0.05) from 31.25 ± 1.20 to 17.18 ± 1.18 cm. The length of the ligated testes in animals of group I (n = 12) and II (n = 6) put together also reduced significantly (P < 0.05) from 12.59 ± 0.68 to 8.23 ± 0.57 cm. Immediately before orchiectomy, the length of the unligated testes of group II was 15.67 ± 0.42 cm (mean ± S.E.) which was significantly (P < 0.05) more than the values (12.57 ± 0.38) of group III animals The weight of the ‘ligated testes’ in animals of group I and II together was 51.67 ± 3.67 g (mean ± S.E.). This value was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the unligated testes of group III (266.67 ± 5.21 g). The weight of the unligated testes of group II rams increased by 36.13%. Histological examination of the atrophic testis revealed seminiferous tubules devoid of spermatogonial cells but showed areas of calcification. The Pinhole technique requires no special instrument, is simple, less painful and cost effective alternative procedure of castration in farm animals.