Considering the 3Rs for castration and tail docking in sheep

Abstract

Background: Tail docking and castration in lambs are permitted in the UK and are governed by multiple legislations including the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act (1954), the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966), the Welfare of Livestock Regulations (1982), the Animal Welfare Act (2006) and the Mutilations (Permitted Procedures)(England) Regulations (2007). However, with political uncertainty and increasing consumer interest in how red meat is produced, the changing global agenda with reference to mutilations will mean that such procedures in the UK are increasingly under the spotlight and may require increasing justification on farm. Notably, the pain caused by these mutilations and their blanket use in regards to sheep production feature on the agenda of several animal welfare charities, including Compassion in World Farming and People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. Aim of the article: With over 10 years since the publication of the Farm Animal Welfare Council's (FAWC) report discussing the implications of these mutilation procedures on the welfare of lambs (FAWC 2008), and the recent publication of the BVA's policy on tail docking and castration (BVA 2020), in this article we will review the debate. Key areas that are considered include the changes in perception of mutilations; the developments in the evidence since the FAWC's publication; the current legislation and how global practices adhere to these rules; the European perspective of mutilations; and how the ‘reduce, refine, replace’ (3Rs) approach can be applied to mutilation discussions when preparing health plans. The arguments surrounding this topic are complex and the ultimate driver for any discussion on farm should be maximising overall animal welfare.

Early Life Painful Procedures: Long-Term Consequences and Implications for Farm Animal Welfare

“…In the long-term, painful procedures are not socially sustainable, as public concern for farm animal welfare continues to grow (Fernandes et al, 2021). Ultimately, the goal is to phase out painful procedures through the development of improved housing, management, and breeding practices (e.g., Knierim et al, 2015;Scheper et al, 2016;Nicol, 2018;Yunes et al, 2019;Brien et al, 2021;Gascoigne et al, 2021). In the shortterm, continued research on strategies to refine current practices is needed, including greater analgesic coverage, modifications to the rearing environment such as increasing maternal and social contact and nutritional allowances, and performing the procedure with the most appropriate method and at an age that is least detrimental to short-and long-term welfare.…”

Assessment of the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Injectable Lidocaine and a Lidocaine-Impregnated Latex Band for Castration and Tail Docking in Lambs

“…Castration is commonly practiced in ram lambs to eliminate the sexual behavior of young males and reduce aggression, as well as prevent unwanted pregnancies and indiscriminate breeding [2,3]. Further, there is no risk of ram taint in rams that have been castrated, which improves meat quality [4].…”

Efficacy of a Lidocaine-Impregnated Elastrator Band for Castration and Tail Docking in Lambs

“…Castration and tail docking are long-standing procedures commonly conducted in lambs. Tail docking is performed to manage fecal soiling to reduce the risk of blowfly strike and to reduce the time taken to shear sheep [1][2][3]. With regard to castration, it is practiced in ram lambs to eliminate sexual behavior and unwanted pregnancies, reduce fighting, and prevent ram taint [3].…”

“…Tail docking is performed to manage fecal soiling to reduce the risk of blowfly strike and to reduce the time taken to shear sheep [1][2][3]. With regard to castration, it is practiced in ram lambs to eliminate sexual behavior and unwanted pregnancies, reduce fighting, and prevent ram taint [3]. Although alternatives are being sought to reduce and replace these procedures, they are still completed globally in millions of lambs every year.…”