Handling sheep, especially the sheep which are full of feed and water, can cause severe injuries to the shearer. Both farmers and shearing industry personnel have very real concerns regarding the emptying out of sheep before shearing. Farmers worry that prolonged periods off feed before shearing can:

• Affect the growth and development of unborn lambs when ewes are shorn during pregnancy. 

• Cause metabolic problems in ewes when they shorn in late pregnancy. 

• Cause permanent weight loss or reduced growth in lambs when ewes are shorn with lambs at feet.

Shearers and other woolshed staff are concerned that full sheep:

• Add to the already heavy drag-out weight of many ewes. 

• Kick and struggle more during shearing. 

• Cause hazardous conditions in the catching pens and on the shearing board by passing more feces and urine.