Procedure for Banding Tails

According to the University of Wisconsin Extension Service, sheep have a unique requirement among farm livestock. If the tails of the animal are not surgically shortened, or docked, the wool-covered tail will accumulate manure and become a breeding spot for flies. The larvae of the flies, known as maggots, can burrow into the flesh of the sheep causing physical stress to the animal. Banding is one of the common ways to dock the tails of lambs.

  1. Tail-Banding Procedures

    • Tail docking should be done before the lamb is two weeks old, according to the website of the University of Wisconsin Extension Service. Earlier docking reduces stress on the animal, although it should not be done until the lamb is at least a day old. There are several methods used for docking tails in sheep, however banding, or using small rubber bands to restrict blood flow, is the most common.

      Tail banding requires a tool called an elastrator. This tool is used to stretch the special rubber bands enough to place them over the tail. The same tool and rubber bands can be used for castration of sheep and similar-size animals.

      The band is placed on the tail at a point where it will leave enough tail to cover the vulva on ewe lambs. Most breeders dock the tails of ram lambs at the same length for uniformity, although the tails of male lambs can be docked at a point where the remaining tail will cover the anus.

      Once the tail is banded, the lamb is allowed to return to the flock. In the next days, usually within two weeks, the tail below the band will atrophy and drop off.

      The procedure is bloodless but not free of pain for the lamb, although the website sheep101.com says the pain is usually short-lived. The site also says painkillers such as lidocaine can be used if the procedure is done by a veterinarian. Standard procedures among sheep raisers in the U.S. is to dock the tails with no painkiller.

      There is a possibility of the lambs contracting tetanus from the tail docking. The tetanus vaccinations for the ewe should be current before the lambing season. The lamb will acquire immunity to tetanus from its dam.

      Not all breeds of sheep require tail docking. Many of the hair sheep and milking sheep do not require tail docking. Also breeds originating from northern Europe, such as the Icelandic and Shetland, have naturally short tails.

      Sheep that are raised for some religious sacraments are often left ̶0;unblemished.̶1; An unblemished sheep would not have been castrated, dehorned or had its tail docked.