Tail docking in lambs: tail characteristics, (contra)indications, legislation and alternative management measures
- B. Driessen
- E. Peeters
- J. Van Thielen
- S. Van Beirendonck
Abstract
Although tail docking in female lambs is still performed in Belgian fi eld conditions, the effectiveness of docking and hence the necessity of that procedure are questioned. Tail docking in lambs is a cosmetic treatment rather than a treatment to prevent myiasis. In order to limit myiasis in sheep, the focus must be adjusted. The aim of this article is to discuss tail docking in lambs and to focus on alternatives, which may or may not be immediately implementable. In this view, veterinarians can advise farmers to take more effective management measures to reduce myiasis. Frequent monitoring of the animals, limiting the contamination of the hindquarters, the preventive use of antiparasitic products, shear management and fl y traps are important tools for this purpose.
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