The Importance of Tail Docking Lambs
Ever had a rotten tooth pulled? I have, and it smarts a bit. But would I rather that tooth was still there, or that it abscessed and dumped toxins into my bloodstream? Not really. And that’s essenti
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Good Article – sums up things well. I’d suggest leaving the tails slightly longer than that even – evidence on tailing length here in New Zealand suggests that you need to be at least below the fourth tail bone to avoid nerve damage. We used a gas powered hot iron at a older age 4-6 weeks as you can identify the spot to go for easier, evidence shows less of a growth check compared to rings, and lower mortality rates. Can be tempting to go to high with rings too, but as long as you are aware of the issues rings are fine. For years we used rings with few problems too. We breed in (back) short tails so tailed lambs less and less.
Well stated and great article.