Castration and Tail Docking in lambs.
Commonly performed by all shepherds, castration and tail docking receive little attention – what follows is a review of the law and the logic.
Castration
The Law
Castration is a permissible mutilation and is covered by law, which restricts when, how and by whom it can be performed see below. In essence most peoples habits of castration are lawful – but are they necessary?
When the method used is the application of a rubber ring or other device to constrict the flow of blood to the scrotum, the procedure may only be carried out on an animal aged not more than 7 days.
When any other method is used, an anaesthetic must be administered where the animal is aged 3 months or over.
The Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007
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4The performance by any person of or over the age of eighteen of any of the following operations, that is to say—
(a)the castration of a male animal or the caponising of an animal, whether by chemical means or otherwise;
(b)the docking of the tail of a lamb;
Nothing in section 19(4)(b) of this Act shall authorise—
(a)the castration of a male animal being—
(iii)a ram which has reached the age of three months,
Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
Why castrate lambs?
Principally this is a management tool for prevention of unwanted matings and is performed close to birth in order to facilitate the use of rubber rings.
How?
Rubber rings (rams less than 7days old):
q With the lamb held to expose the abdomen and groin an elastic ring is placed between the testes (contained in the scrotum) and the body wall. The testes may need to be massaged into the scrotum and their presence beyond the ring must be confirmed in every case.
Birdizzo castration.
q An assistant (or crate) restrains the ram and the testes are drawn into the scrotum. The spermatic cord is rolled to the outside edge of the scrotum and crushed using the burdizzos. The instrument should be held in place for 30seconds then the procedure repeated on the other testicle.
Correct rubber ring placement
Why not?
q Most lambs carry the genetic potential to achieve slaughter weight by 4months of age i.e. before they reach sexual maturity.
q Castrated lambs grow more slowly and produce a fatter carcase.
q Castration is painful.
q If either of the castration methods described fails an un-castrated male can be mixing with females for the whole breeding season.
Tail docking
The law
5. Tail docking
In all cases, enough of the tail must be retained to cover the vulva of a female animal or the anus of a male animal.
When the method used is the application of a rubber ring or other device to constrict the flow of blood to the tail, the procedure may only be carried out on an animal aged not more than 7 days.
When any other method is used an anaesthetic must be administered.
The Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007
Why?
Tails are docked to prevent soiling of the rear end thus reducing the potential for the development of fly strike. In some breeds tail docking is thought to improve the appearance of the rear quarters. Tail docking may also improve the cleanliness of the fleece when animals are presented for slaughter.
How? A rubber ring is placed around the tail ensuring sufficient
tail remains to completely cover the anus (and vulva in females).
Why Not?
q Faecal staining of the rear end is usually the result of diarrhoea caused by worms or cocci – correct worming/anti-coccidial strategies should prevent this and improve growth rates.
q Fly strike occurs elsewhere in the fleece as well and reliance on tail-docking alone will not prevent occurrence.
q Tail docking is painful.
John Watson BVetMed MRCVS
Paragon Veterinary Group
