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Effect of Docking on Health, Blood Cells and Metabolites and Growth of Dorset Lambs¹

Rutgers, The State University New Brunswick, NJ 08903

Abstract

Docking by knife or elastrator had no sustained effect on growth of lambs 0 to 8 wk postpartum. However, during the 2 wk period postdocking, growth of lambs was limited or depressed, regardless of whether lambs were docked by knife at 14, 28 or 42 d of age. Blood hematocrit and hemoglobin were decreased (P<.01) 1 d after docking by knife and 14 d after docking by elastrator. Neither method of docking proved superior. Regardless of whether lambs were docked by knife or elastrator, tail tissue was destroyed and became necrotic. Numbers of white blood cells increased (P<.01) in response to docking. This necessitates that lambs be observed often through 2 wk post-docking and that medical treatment be administered when needed.

Key Words: Docking • Lambs • Sheep • Growth • Health • Blood Cells

¹ Paper of the Journal Series of the New Jersey Agr. Exp. Sta., Rutgers, The State Univ., New Brunswick, NJ 08903. This work was performed as part of NJAES Proj. No. 06105 supported by the New Jersey Agr. Exp. Sta

² Dept. of Anim. Sci.

³ Assistant University Veterinarian.