What does the term "neutering" refer to in male animals?

Neutering in male animals specifically refers to the surgical removal of the testicles, a procedure also known as castration. This procedure prevents the male animal from being able to reproduce and is commonly performed to manage pet populations, reduce certain behavioral issues associated with mating instincts, and decrease the risk of certain health problems such as testicular cancer.

The other options describe different processes: surgical removal of the ovaries pertains to spaying, which is applicable to females. Implementing contraceptive measures refers to methods that prevent fertilization without surgery, and those measures are distinct from the surgical approach of neutering. Collectively, this highlights the clear definition associated with the term neutering in a veterinary context.