The ethically improved sheep concept.
D.R. Scobie, A.R. Bray and D. O'Connell
AgResearch, PO Box 60, Lincoln 8152, New Zealand.
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1997,
57: 84-87
The need to improve animal welfare and reduce chemical residues
to maintain the competitive position of our sheep products is
unquestionable. However sheep producers perceive that the required
actions are in conflict with production, so there have been few recent
changes which allay consumer concerns. This paper discusses
possibilities for producing more attractive products without substantial
reductions in production or increases in costs. It identifies gene pools
that should be exploited to develop a polled sheep with a short tail,
that is devoid of wool on the head, legs, belly and breech. It reviews
evidence that shows such animals require less handling and chemical
treatment, and produce more lambs. It is proposed that these traits be
accumulated into "Ethically Improved Sheep". The concept of ethically
improved sheep is not presented as a prescribed combination of breeds.
There are a number of breed sources of each trait, and other traits
should be introduced as they become available or important in the
future. This would permanently reduce the need for husbandry practices
that emulate the same effects, thus reducing input costs, pre-empting
any bans and forestalling any trade barriers based on current husbandry
practices.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
tail docking; mulesing; face cover; flystrike; dags.
Last Updated 12-09-1998
