[Jacob-list] Tail Length and Docking

[Dr. David R. Lincicome]

1700 hrs/Friday 13 September 2002

The Pliny reference to sheep requiring  a wagon to transport the tail is
undoubtedly referring to 'fat-tailed' sheep.  The Tunis is a fat-tailed
sheep albeit not so dramatic as to require a wagon or wheelbarrow.

David Richard Lincicome, Ph.D.,PAS, DACAP, DABM

Jacobflock at aol.com wrote:

> This is what I understand about tail length, Jacob tail length,
> docking and recommended docking practices.
>
> Tail length is heritable.  The number of vertebrae in the tail can
> vary by breed.  The unimproved breeds from Scotland tend to have very
> short tails; improved breeds tend to have longer tails.  The number of
> vertebrae in tailed sheep can vary from 15-20.
>
> Pliny (ancient Rome) described a "sheep show" at which the tails of
> the sheep were so long as to have a small wagon behind and attached to
> the sheep.
>
> The tail of the Jacob is to extend to about the hock (Ewart,
> Adelstennson, Ryder, various breed standards).  The hock length is
> considered an indication of a cross between the more primitive and
> improved type (Ryder).
>
> The tail should be a "live tail"; twitches and moves upon defication.
> The tail contains muscles.  A "lfeless tail" and "kinked tail" are
> considered congenital defects.  The muscles at the first three caudal
> vertebrae are important especially for lambing (avoidance of some
> prolapses) and for deficating.
>
> The tail is a helpful "wrap" for protecting the udder and scrotum in
> extreme environments. On the other hand, a lifeless tail can also
> present a site for fly problems.
>
> Docking or not docking should be a "health" mangement issue related to
> the local environment.  The case for docking "show sheep" was to
> emphasize the straight back and flat croup and twist.  (Somewhere I
> read that "show people would dock at the neck if it were allowed".)
>
> If docking, there are at least four "length" considerations: (1) Some
> states have regulations for docking length, (2) the American Vet
> Medical Assn (2000) "distal end of the caudal fold", (3) lower lip of
> the vulva in ewes and lower flesh of the ram's rectum (Vet Code of
> Practice), (4) where you will in fact 'dock' regardless.
>
> There are at least two "methods": berdizo (w/wo knife) and band.
> Considerations include level of pain, age and the lamb's tetanus
> immunity.  If you CDT ewes 2-4 weeks before lambing, the colostrum
> should deliver enuf protection for banding in the first week to ten
> days.  If you wait to long you may be faced with surgical removal
> after a CDT ot tetanus shot.  It is always worthwhile to be wary of
> tetanus.
>
> Edie mentioned "lifting" the tail ... that's a 'live' tail and the
> tail muscles are joined across the croup and tail head.  A live tail
> is really critical for undocked sheep.
>
>
>