The device to
measure tail (dock) length in show sheep/lambs is now commercially available
from Pipestone Vet Supply and NASCO. The device sells for $6.
The purpose of the device is to measure tail length in lambs to determine compliance
with mandatory tail docking policies. In Maryland, a minimum tail length of
0.7 inches will be required for 4-H lambs in 2005. If a lamb’s tail is
1.4 inches or more at the time of “weaning,” research shows that
there is a 99 percent probability that the lamb’s tail will be 0.7 inches
or longer at the time of show. There are two lines etched on the tail measuring
device : 0.7 inches and 1.4 inches.
The tail measuring device is not an aid for tail docking. The recommended place
to dock lambs is the distal end of the caudal tail fold. Lambs docked at this
location have a 99 percent probability of having a tail that is at least 0.7
inches at the time of show.
Pipestone
Vet Supply
1-800-658-2523
www.pipevet.com
NASCO
1-800-558-9595
http://www.nascofa.com/
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