[Jacob-list] Tail Length and Docking

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

This is what I understand about tail length, Jacob tail length, docking and 
recommended docking practices.

Tail length is heritable.  The number of vertebrae in the tail can vary by 
breed.  The unimproved breeds from Scotland tend to have very short tails; 
improved breeds tend to have longer tails.  The number of vertebrae in tailed 
sheep can vary from 15-20.

Pliny (ancient Rome) described a "sheep show" at which the tails of the sheep 
were so long as to have a small wagon behind and attached to the sheep.  

The tail of the Jacob is to extend to about the hock (Ewart, Adelstennson, 
Ryder, various breed standards).  The hock length is considered an indication 
of a cross between the more primitive and improved type (Ryder).

The tail should be a "live tail"; twitches and moves upon defication.  The 
tail contains muscles.  A "lfeless tail" and "kinked tail" are considered 
congenital defects.  The muscles at the first three caudal vertebrae are 
important especially for lambing (avoidance of some prolapses) and for 
deficating.

The tail is a helpful "wrap" for protecting the udder and scrotum in extreme 
environments. On the other hand, a lifeless tail can also present a site for 
fly problems.

Docking or not docking should be a "health" mangement issue related to the 
local environment.  The case for docking "show sheep" was to emphasize the 
straight back and flat croup and twist.  (Somewhere I read that "show people 
would dock at the neck if it were allowed".)

If docking, there are at least four "length" considerations: (1) Some states 
have regulations for docking length, (2) the American Vet Medical Assn (2000) 
"distal end of the caudal fold", (3) lower lip of the vulva in ewes and lower 
flesh of the ram's rectum (Vet Code of Practice), (4) where you will in fact 
'dock' regardless.

There are at least two "methods": berdizo (w/wo knife) and band.  
Considerations include level of pain, age and the lamb's tetanus immunity.  
If you CDT ewes 2-4 weeks before lambing, the colostrum should deliver enuf 
protection for banding in the first week to ten days.  If you wait to long 
you may be faced with surgical removal after a CDT ot tetanus shot.  It is 
always worthwhile to be wary of tetanus.

Edie mentioned "lifting" the tail ... that's a 'live' tail and the tail 
muscles are joined across the croup and tail head.  A live tail is really 
critical for undocked sheep.



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