Abstract :
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 groupswere
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±0.42cm (mean±S.E.) which was significantly (P < 0.05) more than the values
(12.57±0.38) of group III animals Theweight of the ‘ligated testes’ in animals of group I and
II togetherwas 51.67±3.67 g (mean±S.E.). This valuewas 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.
