The term, "V-hob" is currently in use by some to indicate a vasectomized
male ferret.
 
However, there is another "V-hob" not widely in use, except by ferret
breeders of some years experience, that is not a vasectomized male ferret,
but indeed is really just the opposite.  This is the "Viripotent" hob
wherein the term "viripotent" is a biological term composed of the two
words, "virile" and "potent." The term "viripotent" is defined as being
capable of causing pregnancy (in the female), obviously just the opposite
of the effect of vasectomized mating.
 
Viripotent mating is further defined as, "Spermic Studding" and is found
abbreviated as, "SS."  Vasectomized mating is defined as, "Aspermic
Studding" and is found abbreviated as, "AS."
 
Since both types of males are used for mating, one for estral termination
only, and the other for inducing embryonic pregnancy, it is recommended
that the term "V-hob" not be used, since it applies to both types of male
ferret and adds confusion rather than clarity.
 
Instead this author would suggest the terms, "AS-hob" and "SS-hob," and
these two terms would apply to the vasectomized hob and the viripotent
hob, respectively.  The former ejaculating no spermatozoa (aspermic) and
the latter ejaculating spermatozoa (spermic).
 
With regard to litter sizing (producing reduced numbers of kits in a given
litter) then both the AS-hob and the SS-hob are employed in a particular
fashion with the same female, the objective being to both alter hostile
the pH of the vagina/uterus and to dilute the sperm count to minimum per
cc of ejaculate.
 
Ahhh, yes; better living through chemistry!
 
Edward Lipinski @ Ferret Endowment for Research, Rehabilitation,
Education & Training Society, NorthWest,  F. E. R. R. E. T. S. NW.
[Posted in FML issue 2699]