Docking

On March 29th, we went to the farm and began tail docking the lambs. It has many benefits which improve the health of lambs. Feces can collect on the tail. This bacteria can attract female flies and they lay eggs. Bacterial infections can occur as a result on the lamb's backend. It can be extremely painful for the sheep. Thus, tail docking minimizes the risk of obtaining these bacterial infections, which improves the overall safety of the sheep. Docking involves either rubber rings using a elastrator, a hot iron cautery, an emasculator, or removal with a knife. At the farm, we used the elastrator, which uses a rubber band to wrap around the tail. This prevents blood flow so the tail just falls off. They do experience minor pain for the first 10-20 minutes but then the tail goes numb. It is important to put the rubber band right below where the tail covers the backend at either of the three palpable joints. It should cover the vulva. Tail docking should take place six weeks after birth. It is important to dock the lambs to prevent bacterial infections.