sheep shearing

Did you know that sheep with empty stomachs are easier to handle? They are not grumpy and less likely to put shearers at risk.

Just think how you would feel after a big meal. If someone comes to force you to do something, you would be agitated, right? The same goes for sheep – at the time, they are likely to kick and shearers have to struggle more.

This fiasco hampers the welfare of stock, not to mention the shearing professionals. But it is possible to get away with such mayhem only if you follow the fasting policy at the farm. Let’s dig deeper!

Period of Fasting

Keeping a sheep on an empty stomach for hours is not the intention. Prolonged fasting leads to weight loss and dehydration. And sheep need water when grazing!

  • You can take rams (up to 80kg) off food for less than 48 hours
  • You can take lambs off food for less than 36 hours
  • You can take ewes during lactation or late pregnancy off food for less than 24 hours
  • You can take hoggets off food for less than 30 hours

Lactating stock require more water. So, you need to maintain their fasting with greater efficiency.

Is Fasting Really Beneficial?

As you know sheep can be unpredictable. On an empty stomach, they lose the energy to fight back and cause less back injury.

Sheep that are well fed or hydrated right before shearing cannot handle the stress of the process. Furthermore, fasting lowers the risk of disease and injuries among sheep and workers.

Whether it is for shearers or sheep, it is important to follow our fasting policy. Visit our online shop and order it today!