R&D update
University helps in search for mulesing alternative
Mulesing is a vital part of sheep husbandry in Australia, particularly in relation to Merino sheep which have wrinkled skin. It involves surgically removing the skin around the breech (backside) of a sheep to prevent wool growth which reduces the risk of fly strike caused by a unique and very aggressive Australian blowfly.
A ban on mulesing would kill up to 3 million sheep in years when conditions were conducive to fly strike – hot and wet.
In an effort to find effective alternatives to this procedure, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is funding a research team from The University of Sydney Veterinary Faculty to closely examine the skin characteristics of sheep and to assess the best patterns for applying chemical or other non-surgical alternatives to mulesing.
Sydney University Researchers are examining wound healing after surgical mulesing and looking at the best possible pattern for alternative forms of breech fly strike prevention.
The project will focus on characterising features that are present in the normal breech skin of sheep and comparing how the skin changes during wound healing after the mulesing operation. They will also compare the healing that occurs with the use of chemicals or other mulesing alternatives such as clips.
The research project is one of a suite of AWI projects aimed at assisting Australian wool growers to find an alternative to mulesing as a preventative measure for fly strike.
For more information visit: http://www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au