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Docking, Castrating
and Dehorning
Using rings to tail-dock a
hair lamb. We apply 2 rings at
the same time to eliminate risk
of one ring breaking.
“O” Rings & Expanders As shown at left, an expander stretches the rubber ring(s) open to allow sliding it over the tail or scrotum. When released the ring clamps the arteries shut. The tail or scrotum drops off in 7 to 14 days. Rings occasionally break so it’s wise to either: 1. Check results a week later and re-apply rings as needed. 2. Apply 2 rings instead of one (one ring shown at left) . Rings are less than 2¢ each so it’s cheap insurance. We put 2 rings on all pasture-born lambs because they are older (thicker tails) and we don’t want to disturb the flock a second time. Though rings are proven by tests to cause more distress than a knife or emasculator, the pain usually lasts less than 30 minutes for lambs less than 7 days old. Advantages of rings: • No method is simpler or quicker. • Rings and expander are not expensive. • Tool/rings fit into pockets or tool boxes. • Fly-strike is less likely (no blood). Possible issues when using rings: 1. With lambs and kids 1 to 3 days old, it’s difficult to get both testicles below the ring because the testicles are small. 2. Applying rings before a male is a day old may interrupt nursing and predispose lamb to E. coli problems (watery mouth). We wait at least 2 days to use them on twins, triplets and orphans. 3. Tetanus is a risk with all types of docking/ castrating. Consult a veterinarian for proper vaccination protocol. Metal Ring Expander, 0.70 lb............................#702000 $13.50 Blue Plastic Expander, 0.40 lb.......................... #702001 $8.50 O Rings, 100/pkg, 0.10 lb.................................#703000 $1.75 Container w/100 Rings, 0.18 lb.........................#703100 $3.0052
premier1supplies.com • 1-800-282-6631 8" long 8.5" long Container w/100 Rings Note the ring container at left. 1.Keeps rings together in one spot in the lambing barn. 2.Special lid (similar but larger than a spice-jar lid) allows user to tip out 1 ring at a time. O Rings Watch Online HOW TO CASTRATE & DOCK LAMBS & KIDS premier1supplies.com/videos