New Sheep Tail Docking Regulations 2021 | Sez the Vet

Learn all about the new regulations around tail docking you lambs in New Zealand.
Which lambs need it and which don't?
What age is best? What about Vaccinations?
How long and exactly how do you do it?
What are the risks involved?
How can I ease their pain at home?
Find the MPI Codes of Welfare at:
www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/anima...
www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/4...
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Note the opinions expressed are those of the authors, and this informative episode is not intended to replace individual advice given by a medical professional, for your specific case

[@numnutsdevice]

Brilliant explanation Sez, many thanks Sez youtube (and the lambs!) needed this 👍😎🐏

[@saintbeans]

Welcome back 😊. Honestly with purebred Wiltshires I wouldn't recommend docking. The tail is a useful fly swat in summer, it keeps the muscle in good condition and when they shed, its skin and hair.
I have one Wiltshire with a tail who is very prone to a messy bum from the start of spring and even then he only ever gets very small dags and by the time the flies come he's shed so no problem. I actually feel sorry for the ones I have in mid summer with no tail because when flies are bothering them they don't have a fly swat.
Actually even if I had a small non-commercial flock of wool bred sheep I'd rather trim their tails, use fly spray and keep a close eye on them over docking if it mean't I never needed to deal with an anal or vaginal prolapse again. Am I wrong?

[@SeztheVet]

You'll be pleased to know then that there is special mention in the video of Wiltshire and other thick tailed breeds not recommending tail docking :)

[@marteencowan4037]

I keep all my orphans tails. We make sure we are dagging regular to prevent fly strike 😊

[@marteencowan4037]

I'm in Scotland it's quite cold most of the time ❤