In searching for something in the Srimad Bhagavatam that gives some reference to castrating a bull to make an ox I could not find something that said “you castrate a bull” directly however there is some word use information that might be telling. I am not a sanskrit scholar and may be well off the point here (if you are one please help).
In looking at the words used for a bull we find Vrisha (and its linguistic derivatives) used for a full bull.
-This is used in regards to referring to a bull as the personality of Religion (1st canto chapter 17). It denotes virility, flowing, and is an address for Indra. SB 1.17.1
-The 7 bulls brought under control by Krishna were also vrisha, which makes practical sense. If you want to make a test it is known that bulls are more aggressive than an ox. These bulls did not even like the smell of those who are warriors (virya). SB 10.58.43
-The bulls that Krishna herded with the cows are also called vrisha. Which also makes sense. If you want to control your bulls you graze them where you want and with who you want. If bulls are just wandering everywhere where is the need to mention they are being herded along with the cows. To me this indicates a conscious practice to ensure the cows you want are being impregnated. We know there is herd segregation because the calves have three noted phases. Very young remain in the village; suckling calves are grazed away from their mothers so they don’t drink all the milk. The older calves or last year’s calves are grazed in another place away from their mothers so they don’t drink all the milk. SB 3.2.29
– Krishna was playing at bull fighting with his childhood friends vrisha was also used. This also makes sense as although we know oxen also fight to work out their place. Bulls have a much more determined interest in fighting because they want breeding access to the cows. SB 10.11.39
– When Uddhava entered Vrindavana he witnessed bulls (vrisha) fighting due to sexual arousement due to the cows on heat. SB 10.46.14
When bulls are described as performing some type of labour other names are used such as Gobhih to describe they are carrying a load SB 10.52.6.
Another word is Sakataih bullock cart SB 10.11.35
Catus Padah – Four legged. This is actually a very powerful image of how to work oxen. A man (two legged) controls a four legged (bullock) by a rope in the nose.
Another reference uses the word gavah that a bullock is brought under control by having its nose strung with a rope SB 11.6.14
My summary. The sanskirt word for a fully potent bull is generally vrisha whereas words describing a working bull (which we generally call an ox) are different. This indicates to me there was a distinction. An Ayurveda doctor informed me that previously castration was done with herbs and a string tied at the right place. Those who have experience working with oxen know it is just the right thing to do. Recently a friend of mine said “When it is just philosophy everyone is an expert and has strong feelings. When it is in real life, the wisdom of tradition shines brightest”
Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=92809
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