R&D update
Mulesing alternative getting closer
Australian woolgrowers have the chance to road test one of the first alternatives to surgical mulesing, with a special pre-commercial release of breech and tail clips set for this year.
Mulesing is the process whereby the skin around the breech (backside) and tail of a sheep is surgically removed. This creates a stretched bare area of skin that significantly reduces the collection of urine and faecal material around the breech. The procedure dramatically reduces the likelihood of fly strike in the breech area caused by the aggressive Australian blowfly.
The current breech and tailclip designs have been manufactored to emulate the resultant effect of mulesing; however, this is done through a closed system whereby there are no open wounds.
The chance for farmers to use the clips in commercial conditions will give growers an opportunity to gauge their effectiveness first-hand, says AWI Project Manager for blowfly control, Ms Jules Dorrian.
"These farms selected by AWI to road-test the new clips will be fully trained and supported by AWI throughout the testing process,” says Ms Dorrian.
The new breech and tail clips have been developed after extensive trial work with farmers and contractors and the intention is to have them commercially available next year.
Trials have shown conclusively that breech clips can achieve similar results to surgical mulesing, but with less stress and better growth rates in treated lambs.
Additional breech and tail clip trials are exploring the possibility of removing the clips after 14 days so they can be reused from one season to the next. AWI is also continuing to test and trial a range of possible biodegradable materials to be used for the clip.
"Their [Australian wool growers] practical experience after using the clips will ensure we have a robust alternative to surgical mulesing that is easy to use, cost-effective and reduces the incidence of flystrike," Ms Dorrian said.
For more information please visit: www.wool.com.au