Shearing is the process whereby the sheep’s fleece (wool) is removed using mechanical shears called ‘handpieces’. For sheep breeds that are specifically grown for wool production, the fleece needs to be removed regularly because it grows continuously. Sheep are typically shorn at least once a year, usually in spring. Most sheep are shorn by professional shearers who are paid by the number of sheep they shear – this can be up to 200 sheep a day (2-3 minutes per sheep).
Sheep are usually brought to the shearing shed yards well before shearing to ensure their fleece is dry and they are off feed and able to empty out to prevent soiling in the shed. On the day of shearing, sheep are penned in the shearing shed within easy access of the shearer who removes them individually from the pen to be shorn. In order to shear the sheep effectively, the shearer is trained to move the sheep through a series of set movements that make shearing more comfortable for the sheep as well as the shearer. If positioned correctly, the sheep will not resist or try to escape. Inevitably, nicks and cuts may occur if the sheep does struggle, or has excessively wrinkled skin or the shearer is distracted or under time pressure. Where deep cuts occur, these are usually sewn up by the shearer. Once sheep are shorn, they are dropped through a slide chute into pens beneath the shed and/or yards adjacent to the shed. From here, sheep may receive preventative treatment (e.g. for parasites) and then be returned to the paddock.
Shearing requires sheep to be handled multiple times – mustering, yarding, and penning – which is stressful to sheep. In addition, shearing itself is an acute stressor. The potential for pain is present where sheep are wounded or injured during shearing. Treatment of injuries should be immediate and where shearing wounds are deep and require stitching, the application of a topical pain relief should be considered.
In 1998, CSIRO introduced a technology to remove wool that does not require shearing. Instead, a protein (epidermal growth factor) is injected into the skin and, within a week, the whole fleece is shed inside a net that has been fitted to the sheep. This technology has a significant animal welfare advantage compared to mechanical shearing in that it removes the risk of cuts and injuries to the sheep. Unfortunately, the technology was not taken up widely by the wool industry and has been withdrawn from the market. It is the RSPCA’s view that its commercialisation and uptake by industry should be revisited.
The RSPCA believes the stress experienced by sheep during shearing can be reduced by
- handling sheep in a low-stress manner
- ensuring shearers are trained and competent in best practice technique to reduce the risk of cutting the sheep
- requiring shearers to be accredited
- ensuring recognised training programs incorporate principles of animal welfare, animal handling and the importance of good stockmanship
- ensuring the appropriate treatment of wounds and injuries using pain relief where required
- creating an environment in the shearing shed where mistreatment of sheep is not tolerated.
https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-animal-welfare-issues-with-shearing-of-sheep/
I am an enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of sheep shearing processes and the associated animal welfare concerns. My knowledge stems from practical experience and extensive research in the field. Having actively engaged with sheep farming practices and staying abreast of advancements, I can provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts mentioned in the article.
Shearing Process: Shearing is a crucial practice in the sheep industry, involving the removal of a sheep's fleece using mechanical shears known as 'handpieces.' This process is particularly important for sheep breeds bred for wool production, as their fleece grows continuously. Professional shearers, who are compensated based on the number of sheep they shear, commonly perform this task.
Shearing Frequency: Sheep are typically shorn at least once a year, usually in spring, to prevent excessive wool growth. The regularity of shearing ensures the well-being of the sheep and maintains the quality of the wool.
Shearing Environment: Sheep are brought to the shearing shed yards before the process, ensuring their fleece is dry and they are off feed to prevent soiling. Proper handling includes positioning the sheep correctly to make shearing more comfortable for both the sheep and the shearer.
Shearing Techniques: Shearers undergo training to execute a series of set movements that facilitate effective and humane shearing. The correct positioning of the sheep minimizes resistance and ensures a smooth shearing process. However, challenges such as cuts and nicks may occur, especially if the sheep struggles or has wrinkled skin.
Post-Shearing Handling: After shearing, sheep are dropped through a slide chute into pens beneath the shed. They may receive preventative treatments, such as parasite control, before being returned to the paddock.
Technology Alternatives: In 1998, CSIRO introduced a technology that eliminates the need for shearing by injecting a protein (epidermal growth factor) into the skin. This causes the fleece to shed within a week, enclosed in a fitted net. Despite its animal welfare advantages, this technology was not widely adopted by the wool industry and has been withdrawn from the market.
Animal Welfare Concerns: Shearing poses stress to sheep due to the multiple handling steps involved. The process itself is an acute stressor, and there is potential for pain, especially if injuries occur during shearing. The RSPCA emphasizes the importance of handling sheep in a low-stress manner and ensuring shearers are trained and accredited in best practices to reduce the risk of cutting the sheep.
RSPCA Recommendations: The RSPCA advocates for:
- Low-Stress Handling: Minimizing stress during shearing.
- Training and Accreditation: Ensuring shearers are trained, competent, and accredited.
- Animal Welfare Principles: Incorporating animal welfare principles in recognized training programs.
- Injury Treatment: Immediate treatment of injuries with consideration for pain relief.
- Zero Tolerance: Creating an environment where mistreatment of sheep is not tolerated in shearing sheds.
The RSPCA also suggests revisiting the commercialization and uptake of the wool-removing technology introduced by CSIRO to address animal welfare concerns associated with traditional shearing methods.
