[Jacob-list] Docking older sheeps tails

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

Cheryl,
 
I'm sure you have heard from various sources regarding tail docking.   It has 
been a topic of discussion in Jacob circles for some time now.   There are 
many accepted methods of docking tails.  I personally have found  banding to be 
the simplest method without a lot of mess.  I also believe it  is the most 
humane and the least painful of all the docking methods.
 
Since you provide CD&T vaccines, the sheep would be protected against  
tetanus.  However, my veterinarian suggests we give 0.5ml of tetanus  antitoxin to 
the lamb at time of docking -- in our program it is at 3 days,  along with ear 
tagging.  Tetanus antitoxin provides immediate yet short  term protection 
against tetanus.  The tetanus in CD&T and other  vaccines are tetanus toxoid, 
which is designed to work with the bodies immune  system to develop more long term 
protection, hence the need for annual  boosters.  At 3 days of age, a lamb 
does not have adequate immune system  protection via the colostrum to protect it 
against tetanus so the antitoxin is  given.  I always keep epinephrine on 
hand for vaccine reactions.  We  have only had one case where a lamb exhibited 
mild seizure like symptoms within  a few minutes of receiving the tetanus 
antitoxin, which is a modified live  virus.  We administered the epi and everything 
was fine.
 
At any rate, I prefer docked tails to natural length ones.  I feel  that 
lambing in the ewes is cleaner and things are easily accessible (when  needed) w/o 
the tail hanging in the way.  Shearing is also easier -- as per  my shearer!  
I've not docked an adult tail before but have discussed it  with my vet.  I 
have 3 sheep here from other farms with natural length  tails that I have 
considered docking.  My  vet indicated adult tails can be banded and cold weather 
is better than waiting  until spring or summer because of the fly issue.  He 
also said once the  band is applied, wait a few days then go ahead and snip off 
the lower portion  rather than let it fall off.  Once the blood flow has been 
cut off for a  few days, the lower tail portion is without feeling and can 
painlessly be taken  off.  For the sake of cleanliness a quick shot of antiseptic 
spray  can't hurt.  In lambs, the tails usually fall off on their own around 
10-14  days after banding.  


Warm, wet weather is a haven for fly strike.  If your little ewe  constantly 
has a wet backside, imagine what that may be like this summer.   If you have 
ever witnessed a case of fly strike in any animal, you would know it  is 
disgusting and can, most of the time, be preventable.  I'd certainly  consider 
banding the tail on this ewe. Like they say, "An ounce of prevention of  worth a 
pound of cure."
 
There are, of course, other methods of docking tails and other shepherds on  
the list may practice them.  I've only mentioned banding since it is my  
personal preference and the method I practice on all our lambs at 3 days  old.  
I've not had any complications from using this method in 6 lambing  seasons.  
 
Good Luck! -- Cheryl Terrano
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 

Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV 26201-9205
(304)  457-6620 
paintedrockfarm at aol.com 
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