Mulesing in Sheep Farming

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the practice of mulesing in sheep?

Mulesing is primarily performed to reduce the likelihood of flystrike by minimizing the accumulation of dirt and feces in the wool.

What was the significant discovery made by rancher John Mules regarding flystrike?

John Mules discovered that removing a patch of skin from a ewe's breech area prevented future flystrike by replacing soiled wool with scar tissue.

As of 2018, what is the status of mulesing in New Zealand?

Mulesing was officially banned in New Zealand as of October 1, 2018.

How does mulesing impact the pain experienced by lambs during and after the procedure?

While mulesing causes some pain, there are generally no mandatory pre or post-operative pain relief measures required by law in Australia. Signup and view all the answers

What alternative measures have been sought by Australian sheep ranchers in response to animal rights movements?

Australian sheep ranchers have been actively seeking alternatives to mulesing to address concerns raised by animal rights movements and consumer boycotts. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the geographical origin of the Australian sheep blow fly.

The Australian sheep blow fly is an invasive species that originated from South Africa. Signup and view all the answers

What changes were implemented regarding the age of sheep for safe mulesing practice as of 2006?

As of 2006, codes of practice prohibit mulesing on sheep older than 12 months. Signup and view all the answers

What tools are commonly used in the mulesing procedure today?

Mulesing is typically performed using specially designed metal shears or modified wool-trimming shears. Signup and view all the answers

What is mulesing and why is it performed on sheep?

Mulesing is the surgical removal of strips of wool-bearing skin from around a sheep's breech to prevent flystrike, a parasitic infection. Signup and view all the answers

Which sheep breed is most commonly associated with mulesing practices in Australia?

Highly wrinkled Merino sheep are the most commonly associated breed with mulesing practices. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some organizations support the continuation of mulesing despite its controversy?

Organizations like the National Farmers Federation of Australia argue that mulesing is the most effective way to prevent sheep from dying from flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

What recommendations does the Australian Veterinary Association make regarding mulesing?

The Australian Veterinary Association recommends the use of analgesics and supports the accreditation of mulesing practitioners. Signup and view all the answers

What alternative methods to mulesing do groups like PETA suggest?

PETA suggests special diets and spray washing as more humane alternatives to prevent flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the scar tissue that develops after mulesing?

The scar tissue that develops after mulesing does not grow wool, reducing the attraction of flies that cause flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Australian wool industry's promise regarding mulesing in 2009?

In July 2009, the Australian wool industry scrapped a promise to phase out mulesing by the end of 2010. Signup and view all the answers

How does mulesing specifically affect flystrike risk on sheep?

Mulesing specifically reduces flystrike risk in the area where skin is removed, but not on other parts of the sheep's body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of mulesing in sheep?

The primary purpose of mulesing is to provide permanent resistance to breech strike in Merino sheep. Signup and view all the answers

How does mulesing differ from crutching?

Mulesing involves the removal of skin, while crutching is the mechanical removal of wool around the tail and anus. Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical practices that accompany mulesing?

Mulesing is usually performed simultaneously with other procedures like ear marking, tail docking, and vaccination. Signup and view all the answers

What are the opinions of animal rights activists regarding mulesing?

Animal rights activists consider unanesthetised mulesing to be inhumane and argue it may mask genetic susceptibility to flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to perform mulesing before the flystrike season?

It is crucial to perform mulesing before the flystrike season to minimize the risk to lambs and ewes from flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended observation practice for mulesed lambs?

Mulesed lambs should be observed from a distance to ensure minimal disturbance until their wounds heal. Signup and view all the answers

What product has been approved for pain relief during the mulesing procedure?

Tri-Solfen has been approved for pain relief during the mulesing procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What have some retailers done in response to concerns about mulesing?

Some retailers, like Abercrombie & Fitch and John Lewis, have boycotted Australian Merino wool due to mulesing practices. Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the alleged offer made by Kevin Craig to the Swedish activist regarding Australian wool?

All clothing manufacturers and retailers in Sweden banned the purchase of wool from sheep that have been mulesed. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Swedish Agriculture Minister, Eskil Erlandsson, express regarding Australia's response to international concerns about mulesing?

He stated he was satisfied with Australia's response and that bans or boycotts were not necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What condition did some European retailers put in place for lifting their ban on Australian Merino wool?

They agreed to lift the ban if pain relief is used during mulesing. Signup and view all the answers

What were the outcomes of the Australian Wool Innovation's (AWI) pledge regarding mulesing by 2010?

The AWI ultimately dumped its pledge to phase out mulesing by 2010, drawing criticism from animal welfare groups. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the main goal of the alternative mulesing method called 'steining.'

The main goal of steining is to prevent future hair growth without causing severe burns or long-term harm to lambs. Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of steining differ from traditional mulesing?

Steining involves freezing the skin rather than excising it, aiming to minimize pain and injury. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major concern raised by PETA regarding the Australian wool industry and mulesing?

PETA accused the industry of attempting to extend the deadline to phase out mulesing. Signup and view all the answers

What benefits does the freeze branding technique, or steining, offer compared to traditional mulesing?

Studies indicate it is effective in preventing flystrike and has fewer long-term consequences for lambs' growth and wool production. Signup and view all the answers

What were the preliminary findings of Ellen Jongman's study regarding the pain levels of steined compared to mulesed lambs?

Jongman found that both procedures were equally painful on the day of the procedures, but steined lambs appeared to be in less pain than mulesed lambs on subsequent days. Signup and view all the answers

What were the findings of the 2018 study regarding the behavioral markers of pain in lambs?

The study found that lambs which had been steined without analgesic treatment showed behavioral markers indicating pain and distress compared to those given analgesics. Signup and view all the answers

Which breeding principles improve flystrike resistance in Merino sheep?

Selection principles that breed plain-bodied Merino sheep, which have lower skin wrinkling around the breech, improve flystrike resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the RSPCA's stance on the breeding of Australian Merino sheep as of July 2021?

The RSPCA stated that Australian Merino sheep have not been ethically bred due to their susceptibility to flystrike and advocated for interim solutions that accompany breeding programs focusing on flystrike resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What non-surgical alternatives are being researched for preventing flystrike in sheep?

Non-surgical alternatives include insecticides, topical protein-based treatments, biological control of blowflies, breech clips, and tea tree oil dips. Signup and view all the answers

How have breeding programs transformed wrinkle-skinned Merino flocks within five years?

Breeding principles have successfully transformed wrinkle-skinned Merino flocks into plain-bodied and mules-free flocks within five years. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the effective means of protecting sheep from flystrike as identified in early reviews?

Dipping the whole animal with insecticides was identified as still the most cost-effective means of protection against flystrike. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological data did Jongman recommend for further research on lamb pain levels?

Jongman called for further research using physiological data such as heart rate and blood sampling in addition to behavioral observations. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Mulesing Overview

Mulesing is the removal of wool-bearing skin from the breech of a sheep to prevent flystrike, a parasitic infection from fly larvae.
The wool in the breech area can trap feces and urine, attracting flies that cause flystrike.
Scar tissue resulting from mulesing does not attract flies, thereby reducing flystrike susceptibility.
It is a common practice in Australia, particularly with Merino sheep known for their high wool production.

Mulesing Procedure and Impact

Considered a skilled surgical task, mulesing can only prevent flystrike in the affected area, not elsewhere on the sheep's body.
National Farmers Federation of Australia claims that mulesing is the most practical method to prevent flystrike, saving millions of sheep from death.
The Australian Veterinary Association acknowledges welfare implications but supports mulesing as a necessary practice in the absence of humane alternatives.

Controversy and Animal Rights Perspectives

Animal rights organizations, including PETA, label mulesing as cruel and advocate for more humane alternatives.
Australian wool industry previously pledged to phase out mulesing by 2010 but later abandoned this commitment, leading to criticism from animal welfare groups.
New Zealand's wool industry began phasing out mulesing in 2007, officially banning it by October 2018.

Flystrike and Wool Production Background

The Australian sheep blow fly, an invasive species, is attracted to Merino sheep due to their wrinkled skin that traps dirt and feces.
The practice of mulesing originated in the early 1930s when a rancher inadvertently discovered that removing skin reduced fly attraction following healing.

Mulesing vs. Crutching

Mulesing involves permanent skin removal for flystrike prevention, while crutching is periodic wool removal that does not provide permanent protection.
Frequent crutching reduces flystrike incidence but is less effective than mulesing.

Pain Management and Regulation

Mulesing requires accreditation and training for practitioners, typically done during other procedures like tail docking.
Mulesing causes pain, with no required pre or post-operative pain relief according to Australian law, though analgesics are often applied.
Codes of practice since 2006 prohibit mulesing in sheep older than 12 months.

Alternatives and Non-Surgical Solutions

Freeze branding (steining) has emerged as a non-surgical alternative, aiming to prevent wool growth without the same level of pain associated with mulesing.
Breeding programs focus on creating Merino sheep with less skin wrinkling to reduce flystrike susceptibility.
Research is ongoing into insecticides, topical treatments, and biological controls to manage flystrike without surgical procedures.

Industry Impact and Fashion Retailer Responses

Several international retailers, including Abercrombie & Fitch and Liz Claiborne, have boycotted Australian Merino wool due to ethical concerns surrounding mulesing.
Public and celebrity pressure has intensified the demand for alternatives, leading to research funding for non-mulesing methods.
Animal welfare groups advocate for a focus on breed modification and dietary interventions to minimize flystrike risk without surgical intervention.

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