Castration, also known as what, affects sheep performance?

Castration, commonly referred to as wethering in the context of sheep, involves the removal of the testicles from male sheep, thereby transforming them into wethers. This practice can significantly impact sheep performance in various ways, including growth rates, behavior, and overall management.

Wethers typically demonstrate improved temperament compared to intact males, which can lead to better handling and reduced aggression. Additionally, by preventing breeding behaviors, castration allows for more efficient resource allocation toward growth and meat production rather than reproductive activities. Furthermore, wethers commonly exhibit a higher average daily gain and better feed conversion efficiency, making them desirable for sheep meat production.

In contrast, docking relates to the removal of a portion of the tail, weaning refers to the process of separating lambs from their mothers, and crutching involves shearing wool from around the rear of sheep to prevent soiling. Each of these practices serves distinct purposes in sheep management but does not directly relate to the effects of castration on sheep performance.