Mulesing in Sheep Farming

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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