Acta Vet. Brno 2026, 95: 3-11
Evaluation of a novel minimally invasive pinhole castration technique compared with open surgical castration in bulls
This study compared a minimally invasive pinhole (keyhole) castration technique with the conventional open surgical method in 24 Holstein-Friesian crossbred bulls (18–24 months; n = 12 per group). Animals were randomly allocated into two groups. Group 1 underwent pinhole castration, while Group 2 received open surgical castration. The pinhole technique resulted in a significantly shorter surgical duration (10.63 ± 2.26 min) compared to the open method (36.00 ± 5.80 min; P < 0.05). Postoperative complications were fewer and less severe in Group 1, with only minor suture loosening and mild suppuration, whereas Group 2 showed a higher incidence of oedema, wound dehiscence, and pus formation (P < 0.05). Serum testosterone concentrations declined significantly in both groups following castration. Although testosterone suppression was more rapid and profound in the open surgical group, the pinhole group demonstrated a progressive decline associated with marked testicular regression. Baseline testosterone concentrations were comparable between groups. Scrotal circumference decreased significantly over time in both groups, with a more pronounced reduction observed following open castration. Most bulls resumed normal activity within 48 h postoperatively, with faster functional recovery observed in the pinhole group. In conclusion, pinhole castration represents a faster, less invasive, and welfare-oriented alternative to open surgical castration in adult bulls. Despite a relatively gradual endocrine suppression, the technique achieves adequate testicular regression with fewer complications, making it a practical and low-cost option for field conditions.
Keywords
Testosterone suppression, scrotal circumference, postoperative recovery, minimally invasive surgery.
Funding
The authors thank the Head of the Division of Surgery, ICAR-IVRI, and the technical staff of the Referral Veterinary Polyclinic for providing facilities and support, and the University Farm staff for their help in bull management.
