Fw: [Jacob-list] Wry tail

[Mary Hansson]

Fred and all,

The tails I have seen that have kinks in them are usually about 3/4 of
the way down or further.  Those tails have never been "dead" for
activity.  Kate is right---they never look good.  They also generally
have a double kink---just like they have been stepped on and broken in
both spots either side of the hoof.

Mary Ellen Hansson, ISeeSpots Farm
Jacob Sheep:  Those horny, fuzzy critters
Shop:  Knitting, crochet, spinning supplies
www.iseespots.com (336) 854-6209



-----Original Message-----
From: Jacobflock at aol.com [mailto:Jacobflock at aol.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 5:40 AM
To: mhansson1 at triad.rr.com; jacob-list at jacobsheep.com
Subject: Re: Fw: [Jacob-list] Wry tail



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