Human welfare and animal welfare are seldom mentioned in the same sentence. Usually, the focus is on the latter. But when it comes to shearing sheep, studies have shown that fasting before shearing – that is, depriving the animals of feed and water – can benefit both the sheep and the shearer.
By Roelof Bezuidenhout
Shearing is one of the most physically demanding jobs on a farm. Merinos, especially rams, like most other breeds, have become bigger through breeding programmes and improved nutrition, making them harder to handle. (On the other hand, modern fleeces are generally lighter, which has made shearing somewhat easier than it used to be.)
A sheep with an empty digestive system is noticeably lighter and easier to manoeuvre into a shearing position than a fully fed animal. It is estimated that fasting before shearing can reduce a sheep’s body weight by up to 20%. So fasting can lead to more animals being shorn more efficiently and with less stress to both the animal and the handler.
Why Fast the Flock?
According to a report by Cape Wools, pregnancy, feed and water act as “space occupying masses” in the abdominal cavity of the animal. When placed in the shearing position, the shape of the abdominal cavity changes from horizontal to vertical. This change causes these “masses” to shift. They have to go somewhere, and this “somewhere” is toward the animal’s thoracic cavity. Between the abdominal and thoracic cavity is the diaphragm. The upward displacement puts pressure on the diaphragm, which then stretches upwards into the thoracic cavity. This leaves less space for the lungs to expand, which makes it more difficult to breath.
Benefits of Fasting the Flock
Studies done in South Africa and Australia have shown these benefits of fasting sheep before bringing them into the shearing shed:
• Restless sheep increase the risk of injury to both animals and handlers.
• Fasted animals are easier to scan.
• The wool will be cleaner, as sheep urinate and defecate less on the shearing floor.
Also read: Tips for ensuring a clean wool clip
For How Long Should You Fast the Sheep?
Research shows that about two-thirds of gut content is emptied within the first 12 hours of fasting. The recommended fasting period varies, but 12 to 24 hours is considered average worldwide. Any longer than this can do more harm than good.
The benefits of fasting must outweigh any potential harm. Animals should never be fasted for more than 48 hours, and lambs or younger sheep should fast for far shorter periods.
Things to Keep in Mind When Fasting Sheep Before Shearing
The procedure is not as simple as withholding feed and water for a day before shearing. Fasting does require additional management:
• The flock must be penned the day before, and the pens need to offer adequate shelter. Few farmers have under-roof facilities for large numbers of sheep. Ewes with lambs add another layer of complexity.
• The flock should not be drenched, dipped or vaccinated just before fasting.
• The flock should have had adequate access to feed and water beforehand, and be able to graze and drink again soon after shearing. But feeding and watering animals in the pen during shearing is discouraged.
• Shorn sheep – especially Angora goats – on an empty stomach are highly vulnerable to cold, wet conditions. If bad weather sets in during or immediately after shearing and shelter is lacking, losses can be expected.
 | Roelof Bezuidenhout is a fourth-generation wool, mohair, mutton and game farmer and freelance journalist. Attended Free State University, majoring in animal husbandry and pasture science. Other interests include agricultural extension and rural development. |
