AASV Position Statement: Castration of Swine

Castration of male pigs is performed to reduce aggressive behaviors and improve the palatability of pork. Surgical castration should be performed as soon as reasonably possible after birth and sufficiently prior to weaning such that no open wounds remain at the time of weaning. Clean, sharp equipment must be used to minimize pain and risk of infection. If surgical castration is performed after weaning, analgesia and/or AMDUCA-permissible anesthetic protocols should be used. The AASV supports the use of procedures that reduce pain and improve piglet outcomes. This includes the development, approval, and acceptance of practical analgesic and/or anesthetic protocols and alternatives to surgical castration.

Approved by the AASV Board of Directors on April 8, 2021
Reaffirmed by the AASV Board of Directors on April 25, 2024

This statement replaces the previous AASV position on Castration of Swine dated April 3, 2018.