What type of sheep management practice involves removing wool around the mammary glands?

Crutching is the practice of removing wool around the mammary glands of ewes. This procedure is primarily performed to improve hygiene and reduce the risk of mastitis, a common infection in the mammary glands that can occur when wool traps moisture and bacteria. By shearing this area, it becomes easier to monitor the health of the ewes and their lambs, as well as to facilitate better nursing conditions. Crutching also aids in lambing, as it allows for a cleaner environment for the newborn lambs, which is essential for their health and survival.

The other practices mentioned do not involve wool management in this specific area. Castration refers to the removal of the testicles in male sheep, primarily for breeding management. Tagging involves marking animals for identification purposes, often done with ear tags. Docking is the removal of a portion of the tail, which serves different purposes, such as preventing fecal contamination in the wool and promoting better hygiene. Each of these practices has its own specific goals and is important in sheep management, but crutching specifically addresses wool management around the mammary region.