Sheep producers report docking tails shorter than recommended, knowledge–practice gap, and inconsistent length descriptions: an Australian survey

Context In Australia, it is a common practice to dock sheep tails, to reduce breech soiling and flystrike. According to research, for docking to provide the optimal benefit, tails should be left at a length that covers the vulva in ewes and to an equivalent length in males. Docking tails shorter than recommended increases the risk of perineal cancers, arthritis and prolapse. Research indicates that some producers dock tails shorter than recommended, up to 57% in surveys and up to 86% in on-farm data. Aims This study aimed to ascertain the current tail docking length, practices, knowledge and attitudes of Australian sheep producers. Methods A national survey was conducted using online, hardcopy and computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) modes of delivery (n = 547). Key results Fifty-seven percent (205/360) of online and hardcopy survey participants chose short tail images to represent their practice, where the vulva was exposed. Although 88% (135/154) of CATI participants described their sheep tail lengths to be covering the vulva, participants equated the length to leaving two tail joints (40%, 54/134) and/or 50 mm (29%, 39/134), both of which have been previously found to be too short to cover the vulva. There was a high awareness of the recommended length (75.7%, 408/539) and 60% (234/390) of participants described it accurately. Significant associations were identified between choosing the short tail image and (1) describing the recommended length to be shorter than it is (P < 0.01), (2) being a producer in South Australia (P < 0.05), and (3) practicing mulesing (P < 0.01). Tail docking is important for producers to reduce flystrike, but docking at their chosen length held more importance than following the recommendation. Participants tended to agree that shearers preferred short tails. Docking tails with a hot knife or rubber rings were the most common methods used. Conclusions These results indicated that short tail docking remains a sheep-welfare issue for Australian sheep, and that a knowledge–practice gap exists for some producers. Implications Future research in the space of tail length could address the identified knowledge–practice gap, attitudes, and individual barriers to benefit sheep welfare and the industry.