'''Castration''' means removal of the [[testicles]] in order to render a male animal incapable of [[human reproduction|reproduction]].
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'''Castration''' means removal of the [[testicles]] in order to render a male animal incapable of [[reproduction]].
In medieval and early modern Italy the finest choirboys were castrated to preserve their soprano or alto voices. These unfortunates were known as ''castrati''.
In medieval and early modern Italy the finest choirboys were castrated to preserve their soprano or alto voices. These unfortunates were known as ''castrati''.
Castration was also practiced by the [[Skoptsy]], an extreme sect of the [[Dukhobors]], for religious reasons.
Castration was also practiced by the [[Skoptsy]], an extreme sect of the [[Dukhobors]], for religious reasons.