Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
and is the easiest method for the beginning shepherd to learn to use. The
main disadvantage if you have not vaccinated is the risk of tetanus (but if you
haven't vaccinated, tetanus is a risk with all methods).
The Burdizzo emasculator is quick. If the procedure is fi nished with a
mattress suture in the skin, it is almost bloodless, and wound healing takes
nearly the same time as if you had used the Elastrator. The disadvantage of
the Burdizzo method is the need for more-expensive equipment, a suture
procedure, and greater operator skill.
What length is best for the tail? It is stylish among some purebred produc-
ers to cut off tails at the base, leaving practically no tail stub. However stylish
“no-tail” docking might be in the show ring, the damage it causes to the tissues
surrounding the anus predisposes ewes to rectal prolapse. A farm producer
should leave 1½ inches (3.8 cm) from the body. As you lift the tail, you will
notice two fl aps of skin that attach from the underside of the tail to the area
on each side of the rectum. The band or cut should be placed just at or slightly
past where the skin attaches to the tail (on the tail, not the skin). This leaves
enough tail to serve as a cover and prevents damage to the muscle structure
that could weaken the area and add to the risk of prolapse later on.
Whatever procedure you use, be clean. The Elastrator rubber rings should
be stored in a small widemouthed jar of alcohol, disinfectant, or mild bleach
solution to keep them sterile and to disinfect your fi ngers when you reach for
one. Dip the Elastrator pliers, Burdizzo emasculator, or knife in the disinfec-
tant too. With the Elastrator, the tail falls off in 1 to 3 weeks, but after 3 days it
can be cut off, on the body side close to the band. Dunk the stump in 7 percent
iodine. If you live in an area where tetanus is prevalent in the soil, then give
a shot of tetanus antiserum at docking.
One advantage of raising hair sheep is that they do not require tail dock-
ing. The reason docking became a standard practice for most wool breeds was
to reduce the buildup of manure in the wool around the tail, which seriously
increases the likelihood of a fl y-strike. No wool? No fl y-strike around the tail!
Castration
Castration can also be done early, as soon as the testicles have descended into
the scrotum. An emasculator can be used for castration, so there is no wound
and thus no opening to attract fl ies. This is important in late lambing and
warm weather. Similar to tail docking, castration by using an emasculator is
a bloodless procedure, as it crushes the spermatic cord and arteries. There is
also less pain, less setback to the lamb's growth, and no danger of infection.
