AWI is continuing a national program of product development and testing trials of its breech clips, progressing towards the industry's commitment to phasing out conventional mulesing by 2010.
More than 1100 woolgrowers volunteered to be part of the national trial, with the primary purpose being to identify any issues relating to the clips so they can be addressed, and to allow woolgrowers and contractors experience working with the clips. The trial is now underway, with results expected in mid 2008.
Previous trials have shown that the animal welfare benefits of the clips are superior to conventional mulesing. Clipped lambs are heavier in the weeks following treatment compared to conventionally mulesed lambs, indicating less stress and faster recovery.
“The response from growers involved in the program has been very positive, even at these early days. It is not just curiosity driving these growers to get involved – they are genuinely interested in finding viable alternatives,” said Ian Evans, AWI's Project Manager Blowfly Control.
The clips are one of two short-term solutions being developed while the industry works towards the long term solution of breeding bare-breeched sheep. The other method is intradermal needle-less injections.
Conventional mulesing involves the surgical removal of the skin around the breech (backside) to reduce the likelihood of infestation of blowflies in skin folds in this area. Blowflies can lead to flystrike and potentially kill the sheep.
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