R&D update
Field trials show promise
Field trials of an alternative to mulesing, which involves the use of intradermal (‘into-the-skin’) agents to achieve a bloodless restructuring of the skin, commenced by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) last month. They are expected to yield first results early in 2006.
Dr Scott Williams, AWI Animal Health Program Manager, said that while the field trials would take two years to be fully completed, significant information on the effectiveness of the alternative would be available within two months.
“We have four trials running already and a further trial is due to commence in January. We are very happy with the performance of the applicator so far and we will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the alternative to some extent early next year.
“As the trials progress we will be able to compare the performance of the alternatives against traditional mulesing techniques, which at present still provide the best protection for Australian Merinos against flystrike.”
Dr Williams said the current trials were being conducted on farms in New South Wales.
“The trials are being run on commercial farms in commercial conditions, so they will give us authentic data and qualitative feedback on the alternatives.”
The trials also include the use of a clip alternative. The concept of clipping aims to achieve the same protection for sheep against flystrike as surgical mulesing, without creating an open wound.
The clip is attached to the same area of skin that would be removed during mulesing, causing this area of skin to fall off after a few days, leaving a bare area on the breech and a fine scar line.