What is the process called that involves the removal of an animal's testicles?

Castration is the process that involves the surgical removal of an animal's testicles. This procedure is commonly performed on male livestock and pets for various reasons, including to prevent unwanted breeding, reduce aggressive behavior, and decrease the risk of certain health issues. By removing the testicles, the production of testosterone is significantly reduced, which can lead to behavioral changes in the animal.

In livestock management, castration is often used as a means of controlling breeding and ensuring that male animals are not part of the reproduction cycle, thereby managing population and health within herds. The term neutering is often used interchangeably with castration, especially in the context of pets, but neutering can refer to the alteration of both male and female animals, whereas castration specifically pertains to males.

Dehorning and tail docking are different procedures; dehorning involves the removal of horns from animals, and tail docking entails the removal of part of an animal’s tail. These are not related to the sexual organ removal involved in castration.