![]() Short-term immunity whereas tetanus toxoid, while longer Is unknown, the tetanus anti-toxin can be administered at If the lamb's dam was not vaccinated or her vaccination status Rubber ring creates an anaerobic (without oxygen) environment that is favorable That lambs be protected against tetanus ( clostridium tetani lockjaw), as the When bands are used to dock tails, it is very important and other countries are encouraged to follow this practice. Though not mandated, producers in the U.S. In fact, there is a law in the United Kingdom that restrictsīanding to the first week of a lamb's life. ![]() Bands should only be applied during the lamb's first week Lambs should be at least 24 hours old before bands are applied otherwise, banding may interfere with bonding and colostrum intake. However, there is no research to support this claim. The Callicrate Wee Bander™ has been advocated as a more humane method of banding tails, as it utilizes higher tension banding. It is unknown if the product will ever be available in the US. There is a new tool called Numnuts® that provides pain relief at the same time it bands. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be available in other countries to producers. Only veterinarians may prescribe the use of lidocaine. Is not usually practical as lidocaine is not available for purchase The use of a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine,Ĭan be used to reduce the pain felt by the lamb. Pain can be reduced if a clamp (Burdizzo) is applied across the tail immediatelyĭistal to the ring. Pain varies by lamb and may have to do with placement of the band, on or between vertabrae. Some producers cut the tail off before it falls off.īanding causes some pain to the lamb, but the pain is generally short-lived. The band cuts off theīlood supply to the tail, causing the tail to atrophy and fall off in several weeks. The easiest and most common method of tail docking is to applyĪ rubber ring (or band) to the tail using an elastrator or ring extender. Scientists are trying to breed wooled sheep with short tails that do not require docking. A sheep's tail is halfway between the length of its two parents. Tail length is the most heritable trait in sheep. To some extent, sheep use their tail to scatter their feces. The tail protects the ewe's vulva and udder from weather extremes. The tail does not interfere with breeding or lambing. It is natural for a sheep to have a tail. Sheep breeds that generally do not require tail docking ![]() Wooled lambs that go to pasture generally require docking. If lambs are sold at a young age or their hindquarters can be kept clean, it may be possible to leave their tails on, without affecting their health and hygiene. Of wooled lambs do not dock their lambs or they only dock theĮwe lambs. Lambsįrom the Northern European short-tail breeds also do not requireĭocking. Not have long, wooly tails, it is usually not necessary to shorten their tails. Sacrifice, unblemished lambs are usually preferred.Īn unblemished lamb is one that has not been docked, castrated,Īt the same time, not all sheep require tail docking. Some markets (lamb buyers) discriminate against tailed lambs, since havingĪ tail lowers the dressing percent (yield) of the lamb. It makes it easier to observe the ewe's vulva and udder and detect potential birthing and milking problems. The risk of fly strike (wool maggots), while having no ill effects on lambĭocking facilitates shearing and crutching. Research has shown that tail docking reduces Prevents fecal matter from accumulating on the tail and hindquarters The average age of castration was 24.7 days.ĭocking improves the health and welfare of sheep and lambs. Three quarters of US operations castrated ram lambs. The last (USDA APHIS) NAHMS Study, 78.6 percent of US sheep operations docked lambs (2010) 81.5 percent of lambs were docked. Routine management practices on most sheep farms in the United States and other developed countries.
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