Castration facts for kids

Castration is a procedure that prevents animals from having babies. It's often done to help control animal populations and manage their behavior.

Neutering Animals

Neutering is a common practice for many domestic animals that are not going to be used for breeding. This helps prevent unwanted litters of puppies or kittens, which can lead to too many animals without homes. It also helps make some animals calmer and less aggressive.

For example, male cattle (like cows and bulls) are sometimes neutered to make them easier to train and work with as oxen.

There are special words for neutered animals of different kinds:

• Barrow: A neutered male pig.
• Capon: A neutered male chicken.
• Gelding: A neutered male horse.
• Gib: A neutered male cat or ferret.
• Steer: A neutered male cow or bull.
• Wether: A neutered male sheep or goat.

Rubber rings and pliers used for a type of neutering called elastration.

See also

In Spanish: Castración para niños

Images for kids

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  A historical image of a Chief Eunuch.