Male lambs are routinely castrated to boost growth, reduce aggression and to prevent unplanned breeding, even though most lambs are slaughtered before they reach sexual maturity.
Most lambs are castrated during their first week of life usually by applying a tight rubber ring around the testicles until starved of blood they eventually fall off. Alternative methods are crushing the spermatic cords or cutting with a sharp knife.
All three methods carry the risk of inflammation and infection.
No anaesthetic needs to be used if a lamb is under 3 months.
Most lambs are castrated during their first week of life usually by applying a tight rubber ring around the testicles until starved of blood they eventually fall off. Alternative methods are crushing the spermatic cords or cutting with a sharp knife.
All three methods carry the risk of inflammation and infection.
No anaesthetic needs to be used if a lamb is under 3 months.
After any of these methods lambs will kick, stamp their feet and roll and many won't suckle for hours. Acute pain is likely to last for four hours but some lambs remain in pain for six weeks. Tail docking is also done with a rubber ring or by cutting, causing similar levels of pain. In addition, separation from the mother while these mutilations are carried out will cause stress.
http://www.viva.org.uk/
http://www.viva.org.uk/
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