Knowledge and attitudes are important factors in farmers’ choice of lamb tail docking length

Abstract

BackgroundTail docking is common practice in the sheep industry to prevent soiling of the breech and flystrike. To ensure optimal healing after tail docking and reduce the risk of arthritis, perineal cancers and prolapses, it is recommended to dock tails equivalent to the length of the vulva. However, recent studies have found that some tails are docked too short (24–86 per cent).MethodsTo address this issue, this study aimed to identify key drivers behind tail docking length decisions. Two focus groups, phone (n=30) and online surveys (n=21) were conducted in regional Victoria, Australia to examine farmer knowledge of and attitudes towards appropriate lamb tail length and barriers to best practice. The focus group data were analysed qualitatively, and the surveys were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.ResultsIn total, 57 per cent of farmers were classed as docking tails short. Short tail docking appeared to be influenced by unawareness of the recommended length and docking at a length that shearers approve of. Other potential factors included lack of knowledge of negative health consequences associated with short tails, importance placed on dag and flystrike prevention, and impracticality of measuring where to dock.ConclusionAddressing these factors in future education and intervention programmes may improve tail docking practice and sheep welfare.

Rethinking traditional husbandry practices – changing the lengths to which lambs’ tails are docked

“…They found that many farmers docked the tails of their sheep too short, either because they were not aware of the recommended length or because they were docking at a length that suited shearers. 9 Woodruf and colleagues suggest that educating farmers on the recommended length is imperative to improve sheep welfare. Where farmers get their advice from, who they trust, how they learn and, thus, how best to intervene is an evolving ield of investigation.…”

“…Since animal welfare is as much about people as it is about animals, 7 it is surprising that there have, with some exceptions, 8 been few insights into the reasons why farmers choose to dock the tails of sheep shorter than the recommended length. In a study summarised on p 319 of this issue of Vet Record , 9 Woodruff and colleagues sought to understand the beliefs and attitudes driving farmers’ tail docking practices as a prerequisite to designing interventions to change behaviours. They found that many farmers docked the tails of their sheep too short, either because they were not aware of the recommended length or because they were docking at a length that suited shearers 9 …”

“…In a study summarised on p 319 of this issue of Vet Record , 9 Woodruff and colleagues sought to understand the beliefs and attitudes driving farmers’ tail docking practices as a prerequisite to designing interventions to change behaviours. They found that many farmers docked the tails of their sheep too short, either because they were not aware of the recommended length or because they were docking at a length that suited shearers 9 …”

“…Interestingly, while shearers were not identified as individuals from whom farmers sought tail length advice, they were the reason why some tails were docked very short 9 . Indeed, a comment from one of the participants – that farmers should ‘put up with a bit of whingeing from shearers and have a longer tail’ – suggests that interventions might, in part, need to be addressed to shearers as well as farmers.…”

“…The broadening of animal welfare science from its traditional focus on animal physiology and behaviour to include social science is both welcome and likely to lead to more effective interventions and expectations of pragmatic changes in farmer behaviour. Since what we believe determines how we act, addressing the demands of animal welfare and efficient husbandry will require more studies like that of Woodruff and colleagues, 9 acknowledging the complex and dynamic human social and psychological factors involved as well as the animal physiological factors.…”