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castration, ear tagging, tail docking, weighing - Coggle Diagram
castration
if you need to do it
should only be done by trained and competent people
where possible use anesthetics and anti-inflammatories
do it in consultation of a vet
don't castrate until ewe/lamb bond has been established
why do it
reduce aggressive behavior
meat tastes better
avoid unwanted pregnancies
to reduce need of castration
try to achieve slaughter weight before sexual maturity (about 6 months)
separate ram lambs from ewe lambs
ear tagging
point should be inside ear
applied 1/3 away from head
loop tags should be on the upper edge of ear to allow growth
avoid piercing ridges of cartilage
disinfect the tag before use
store tag in dry conditions
tail docking
methods
tail iron
clamp and surgical removal (rarely used)
rubber ring
wait until 24 hours old
vaccinate ewes against clostridal disease before lambing
many farmers use pain relief
weighing
you will need
lamb cradle
digital scales
most lambs are 8 to 12 pounds at birth