R&D update
Mulesing now clipped
A simple clip could provide Australian sheep producers with an alternative to mulesing.
The clip is one of a number of alternatives to mulesing being developed by Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI).
Speaking to sheep producers and woolgrowers at a forum in Adelaide in November, AWI Wool Production General Manager Ian Rogan said trial results to date were "very positive" and an animal welfare study confirmed that clipping was less stressful to lambs than mulesing.
"In commercial trials the clips produced a bare area on the breech of the lambs that was slightly narrower than mulesing, however still significantly wider than unmulesed sheep," he said.
"The concept of clipping came from the idea that it may be possible to create the same effect as surgical mulesing without creating an open wound.
"It works by attaching the clip to the same flap of skin that would be removed during mulesing. The closing pressure of the clip prevents blood flow to the skin between the clip, causing this flap of skin to wither and eventually fall off. Both the clip and skin flap typically fall off after a few days, leaving a bare area on the breech and a fine scar line."
Work on the clips began in early 2005 and in June 2005 AWI successfully filed a provisional patent for the clipping.
Development work so far has focused on identifying the optimal design, production materials and methods of application, as well as evaluating how well the process works and the advantages in terms of animal health and welfare.
Mr Rogan said application of the clips during trials had been relatively quick and practical.
Development of the clips is now focused on three areas:
- identifying the most suitable biodegradable materials for the clips;
- developing a shorter clip for use on the thicker skin over the tail; and
- continuing work on placement of clips and applicators.
Mr Rogan said that subject to the outcome of the ongoing development of the clips, AWI was reasonably confident the clips could be commercially available in 2006.
"If trial results confirm the effectiveness of the clips over mulesing, then the clips can be brought to market relatively quickly. There is no registration process required because the clips are non-invasive."
Q&A
Q. How are the clips applied?
The clips in the trials were applied using a modified garden tool however the final model of the applicator will depend on the final manufacturing design of the clip and hand application remains a possibility. It is expected that the development of a practical application tool for the clips for commercialisation will be relatively easy.
Q. What are the clips made out of?
The prototype clips used in the field trials were made from various plastics, however identifying the most suitable biodegradable materials for the clips is one of the areas now being looked at.
Q. Are the clips as effective as mulesing in preventing breech flystrike?
Field trials to date have shown that the bare area produced on clipped lambs was similar to, but slightly narrower than, mulesed lambs, which should result in a similar level of protection from breech flystrike.
Results on the incidence of breech flystrike from the field trials are not yet available as the lambs were only treated in September. The incidence of breech flystrike is being monitored and results available in early 2006 will provide data on the effectiveness of the clips in preventing breech flystrike.
Q. What will the clips cost?
Exact costs are not yet known as the most suitable construction material for the clips is still being looked at - however it is expected that the purchase and application of the clips would be no more than the current cost of contract mulesing.
Q. How easy are the clips to put on?
The prototype clips and their application are still in the development stage, however trials so far show that clips can be applied quickly and easily. The clipping process takes about as long as mulesing. We are currently training several operators so that we can get feedback on functionality and the operational aspects of applying the clips.