Fw: [Jacob-list] Wry tail

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/14/02 6:57:55 PM Central Daylight Time, 
mhansson1 at triad.rr.com writes:

<< Still waiting to hear more about the correct terminology for "wry tail"
 from the man with a "wry sense of humor".  Anybody else know about this?
 I can't find it listed in Sheep Ailments, Managing Your Ewe, The Merck
 Vet. Manual, or The Vet. Book for Sheep Farmers.... >>

In a message dated 9/16/02 7:27:00PM Central Daylight Time, 
humbug7 at worldnet.att.net writes:

<<"Wry tail" is a horseman's term (or more precisely, that is where I learned 
it). A wry tail is a tail that is naturally held twisted to one side, 
exposing their backside.  Sometimes it will appear to be lifted a tad as well 
as held to one side."

I don't consider it a practical defect, but it is not appealing to look at. >>



WRY TAIL is the fusion of two or more of the tail vertebrae.  The fusion 
close to the 'top of the tail' generally exposes the 'backside' as Kate 
points out.  It is a defect in horses, cattle, swine, sheep, fowl, rabbits, 
camelids, etc., etc.  The fusion of the vertebrae causes the attached muscles 
to be "dead".  It is a genetic defect.

Wry tail problems in sheep include those similar to "close" tail docking 
(prolapse is commonly cited).  

There are other congenital and genetic defects that are often overlooked; 
legs, jaw, neck, eyes, etc. that relate to "conformation".  Though the Jacob 
is rare and a lot of focus is placed on horns and spots, its species and 
type, behavior and conformation and de tails should all be part of breed 
conservation.

Fred Horak
St. Jude's Farm
Lucas, TX 75002