The Do's And Don'ts Of Tail Docking

Tail docking is usually performed in sheep and involves both surgical and non-surgical methods to shorten or remove the tail.

- Carin Venter

While some people may feel discomfort or squirm at the thought, many producers routinely dock a lamb’s tail when it is only a few days old.

Tail docking in sheep is based on the following principles:

• In fat-tailed sheep breeds, tails are docked to prevent fat from accumulating in the tail.

• In wool breeds, faeces and urine that soil the tail is blamed for blowfly strike.

• There is a perception that ewes with long tails may not be mated successfully.

According to Dr Johan van Rooyen, veterinary specialist practitioner for small stock at Steynsburg Animal Hospital, these reasons for tail docking lack some credibility. “There is very little evidence to support the statement that cutting tails improves the health of non-wool breeds. In addition, the benefits in terms of conception rate and prevention of blowfly strike in wool breeds are not always clear. In my opinion the main reason for tail docking adds up to aesthetic reasons and peer pressure from those who believe that sheep with tails will resemble a slapdash or careless way of farming.”

Tail docking is not mandatory, and many producers are no longer docking their lambs’ tails. “It is worth noting that tail docking is perceived as a potential hazard by animal rights groups who are targeting all procedures on animals that could be painful or dangerous,” says Dr Van Rooyen. “However, if it is performed, it should be done as professionally as possible.”