Note: This posting has 'PG-13' pictures and links. None are overly graphic, but not all are 'G' or 'PG.'
Okay - so, let's begin with this past Thursday, March 7 (Day 14). Not too much activity other than socializing with the piglets a bit and doing routine visual inspections. Peary continues to make great leaps and bounds daily. Although she is still rather frail, her energy level is up and she is back to nursing with her siblings.
Students enjoy socializing with the piglets during their lunch period and study halls.
Friday, March 8 (Day 15) - Phew, what a big day - for the boys, at least. Students in the CASE Animal Science II course had a real-life veterinary experience. All six boars were castrated and are now called 'barrows,' which is the term for a castrated male pig. In layman's terms, we surgically removed the testicles. How and Why? Keep reading...
How and Why are most male piglets castrated?
- Best to castrate male piglets at 4 - 14 days of age
- Standard and simple surgical procedure - takes 30-45 seconds per piglet
- Performed under sanitary conditions with sanitary instruments
- Relatively bloodless procedure (immature testicles/scrotum do not have much blood circulation yet)
- Male piglets not designated suitable for serving as a sire in the future are castrated to prevent 'boar odor' or 'boar taint,' which is an undesirable odor and flavor of the meat post-harvest
- Removal of the testicles inhibits the production of testosterone, which reduces aggression among the males
- Wounds are not sutured, unless the piglets have a herniated scrotum, to allow drainage and prevent infection post-surgery
- Piglets quickly return to their mother post-surgery and resume nursing as if nothing happened
Students restrain the piglet for its safety as Mr. Woods removes the testicles.
Two testicles, post-removal, roughly the size of a marble.
Students dissect the testicles to discover their internal anatomy.
Once the testicle has been dissected, Mr. Woods and his students discuss the various parts of the male reproductive system.
Saturday, March 9 (Day 16) - Peaches and her piglets were given a break today. They had a few visitors early in the morning - mainly elementary students and toddlers. All six barrows were examined to ensure they had not developed any infection post-surgery. The photo below shows how the wounds are quickly healing and life has essentially returned to normal for them - minus a few extra parts!
Peary, who is a gilt, is still doing well. Nanny Tina - one of our GREAT aides at the Cumberland Valley, came to visit and check up on her brood of piglets. Nanny Tina has been the primary caregiver for Peary as she begins to grow and excel in life. Thanks for all of your help!
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