Tail Docking

“PREVENTION OF RECTAL PROLAPSE”

We have had a cooler spring with just a few warming spells but the heat is on the way. With the heat comes increased problems with prolapses in feed lot lambs. The same prevention measures apply to both commercial producers and club lamb operators. Regardless of your status, rectal prolapse set backs can be costly. Here’s some common-sense prevention protocols that can help us all.

1. Keep your creed/starter rations in balance. Safe ranges for ration analysis: protein 12- 14%, fat 2.5 to 4%, grain percentage less than 60% of the total ration, fiber 14% minimum.

2. Provide cool, clean water that is shaded from the sun.

3. Keep your lots clean and minimize dust and overcrowding.

4. Keep your lambs clean from worms and coccidia.

5. Treat upper respiratory infections properly.

PRO-TIP---Some sheep are genetically predisposed to have a higher rate of incidence. Breeders take note of certain lines of genetics that increase the numbers of affected offspring each year. Cull and select away from problems. Producers watch that aggressive tail docking! On some high value lambs, a re-dock later is a much better option than dealing with a reoccurring prolapse. Prevention is worth the effort when it comes to rectal relapse. Thanks, and good luck with your stock.