Sustainable Sheep Systems – Tail Docking and Castration

Part three of this series will look at the alternative methods to conventional tail docking and castration.

An increasing spotlight on lamb welfare has stimulated a review of conventional methods of tail docking and castration. Amendments to current legislation are expected  by 2028 at the latest, but there have been low levels of adoption of alternative methods so far.

Join us as we speak to three farmers using the alternative methods currently available to hear how they work in practice while comparing labour and cost to the conventional rubber ring.

• David MacTaggart, Hallrule Farm – Clipfitter
• Bobby Lennox, Shantron Farm – Numnuts
• James Hamilton, Aikengall Farm – no tailing or castration

SRUC vet, Andrew Robinson will also cover the impact on welfare and lamb performance.

Related FAS Materials:

Sustainable Sheep Systems – Consumer and the Climate

Sustainable Sheep Systems – Consumer & Animal Health

Sustainable Sheep Systems – Alternative proteins

Sustainable Sheep Systems