Sheep producers report docking tails shorter than recommended, knowledge–practice gap, and inconsistent length descriptions: an Australian survey
Madeleine E. Woodruff,
Carolina A. Munoz,
Grahame J. Coleman
et al.
Abstract:Context In Australia, it is a common practice to dock sheep tails, to reduce breech soiling and flystrike. According to research, for docking to provide the optimal benefit, tails should be left at a length that covers the vulva in ewes and to an equivalent length in males. Docking tails shorter than recommended increases the risk of perineal cancers, arthritis and prolapse. Research indicates that some producers dock tails shorter than recommended, up to 57% in surveys and up to 86% in on-farm data. Aim… Show more
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