Farmers suggest that the practice of tail docking reduces the transmission of diseases carried by cows, such as Leptospirosis, to workers. Producers also suggest docking improves ease of milking, and makes milking more comfortable for the workers because the shortened tail is less likely to hit people.

steers

Although younger cattle exhibit less pain, stress, and distress in response to the procedure, all methods of castration induce pain and physiologic stress in animals of all ages. Pain and physiologic stress resulting from castration should be minimized to provide for the overall welfare of the animal.

There are several reasons that cattle are castrated. Testes produce testosterone. By lowering testosterone levels in male animals, aggressiveness is reduced. From a herd management standpoint less aggression means less fighting and less potential harm to humans.

10-50 days

Though not typically fatal, testicular rupture can cause hypogonadism, low self-esteem, and infertility. However, if left untreated the damaged tissue may become necrotic, which could lead to death.

If blood flow is cut off for more than six hours, testicular tissue can die. The affected testicle would then need to be removed.

When a vein in a testicle becomes enlarged, it’s called a varicocele. Varicoceles affect up to 15 percent of males. Like varicose veins in your legs, varicoceles may appear bulgy under the skin of your scrotum. They tend to form in the left testicle because the vein on the left side hangs lower.

Keep your testicles cool and away from the body as much as possible to help with healthy sperm. Additionally, some research has shown that actually icing your testicles regularly can counteract previously heat-damaged sperm and can improve function.

The scrotum hangs outside the body in order to keep the testicles at an optimal temperature to produce sperm and other hormones, around 95 to 98.6°F or 35 to 37°C. The idea is that cold showers lower the scrotal temperature, allowing the testicles to produce a maximum amount of sperm and testosterone.

Try the following to keep your scrotum in good health:

1. Do a monthly testicular self-exam. Roll each testicle around in your scrotum using your fingers.
2. Bathe regularly. Take a shower or bath every day to keep your entire genital area clean.
3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
4. Wear protection when you have sex.

Yes, in most cases, people with one testicle can get someone pregnant. Remember, one testicle can provide enough testosterone for you to get an erection and ejaculate. This is also enough to produce adequate sperm for fertilization.