Indian J Anim Health (2023), 62(1): 114-120 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36062/ijah.2022.14122 Evaluation of the pinhole castration technique in piglets compared to the traditional open castration method S. V. Udharwar 1* , M. P. Unnikrishnan 2 , S. S. Nair 1 , L. M. Philip 1 , R. Varghese 1 , S. Ramankutty 1 , B. M. Nijin Jos 1 , P. P. Gokuldas 3 , S. K. Venugopal 4 and K. D. John Martin 1 1 Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur- 680 651, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad, Kerala, India; 2 Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur- 680 651, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad, Kerala, India; 3 ICAR, Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Ela, Old Goa- 403 402, Goa, India; 4 University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkala, Thrissur- 680 651, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Wayanad, Kerala, India Abstract Castration of male piglets aids in the production of high-quality meat and lessens boar taint. The purpose of the current study was to compare two castration techniques in piglets, i.e., the traditional open-covered method of castration and the pinhole castration technique with special emphasis on histopathological changes in testicles after the former castration. The pinhole castration technique involves ligating the spermatic cord with a suture percutaneously which results in atrophy and degeneration of the testicle. In piglets, both castration methods proved successful. However, as histopathology revealed avascular coagulation necrosis of all testicular parenchymal cells, the pinhole castration technique is simple, affordable, and less time-consuming and can be thought of as an alternative way of castration in piglets. Keywords: Boar taint, Piglets, Pinhole castration, Surgical castration Highlights  Pinhole castration technique was found effective in male piglets. This technique is easy, economical, and less time-consuming than conventional surgical castration techniques.  Pinhole castration method can be an alternative to the conventional open-covered method of castration.  Pinhole castration technique involves ligating the spermatic cord with a suture percutaneously which results in atrophy and degeneration of the testicle.  Histopathological examinations of testicles extracted from pinhole castrated piglets indicated avascular coagulation necrosis of all cells in the testicular parenchyma. Research Article * Corresponding Author, E-mail: udharwar@gmail.com, sanjay.udharwar@icar.gov.in INTRODUCTION The castration of male piglets to improve pork production is a conventional management practice in the piggery industry. Although the traditional open castration method has been used for some time, there has been no conclusive research on its difficulties and negative effects. Pinhole castration is a new minimally invasive procedure that involves ligating the spermatic cord percutaneously in piglets without cutting it or entering the scrotum to cause full ischemic atrophy and testicular shrinkage. Pinhole castration is now used in many domestic animal species including calves, kids, donkeys, and dogs, because it is less invasive, less expensive, easier to perform, and faster than conventional surgical sterilization (Ponvijay,