The best time to castrate a pig is between 1 and 21 days of age. Young pigs are easier to hold or restrain. They bleed less from surgery and may have antibody protection from the sow's colostrum. Pigs can be successfully castrated on day one. One of the major disad- vantages of castrating early is that scrotal hernias are more difficult to detect.
Most scrotal hernias are genetic in origin.
Do not keep for breeding, boars and gilts from any litter in which one or more pigs was herniated. A mechanical pig holder can be used. A disinfected, sharp, castration knife, scalpel, or razor-blade type instrument can be used to make the incision. Examine the testicles before making the incision to determine if there are two of similar size. If there is a scrotal enlargement, it could indicate a scrotal hernia or rupture.