What is the process called when the tail is removed near the tail head?

The process of removing the tail near the tail head in sheep is known as docking. This procedure is often performed to prevent a range of issues, such as fly strike, where flies lay eggs around the tail area, leading to infection and discomfort for the animal. Docking can also help maintain better hygiene, especially in breeds that have long tails, which can trap manure and dirt. This practice is typically carried out on lambs shortly after birth and is an important part of sheep management to enhance animal welfare and reduce health risks.

Castration refers to the removal of the testes to prevent breeding, weaning is the process of gradually transitioning lambs from their mother’s milk to solid food, and mulesing is a controversial method involving the removal of skin around the tail to prevent fly strike but does not pertain to tail removal in the same way as docking does.