It is that time of the year again where farmers in the district are busy lamb marking. Lambs should be marked between the ages of two to 12 weeks old.
The term tail docking is referred to as placing a rubber ring on the tail of the lamb and is recommended by the Code of Practice for Sheep for blowfly control.
Lambs can be restrained either by cradle or by hand. During lamb marking rings are also expanded with a special plier and placed over the scrotum, just above the testicles. The ring blocks blood circulation causing the scrotum and testicles to eventually fall off along with the tail.
Throughout lamb marking it is advised to use insecticide when necessary to further help prevent fly strike and use antiseptic to sterilize all equipment used. During lamb marking farmers often inject the lambs with 5 in 1 Vaccine for the prevention of pulp kidney, an injection of scabby mouth to help prevention from the disease, a drench to help prevent worms and an ear tag to help with identification when sold.
Lambs are marked to help with farm management and for the market. Operators for lamb marking need to be experi- enced and follow the required guidelines.
(Information source: Department of Primary Industries.)