Articles tagged with 'Animal husbandry procedures'

Induced cryptorchidism (or crimping) involves applying a rubber ring to a male animal’s scrotum so that the testes are held against the abdomen. This increases the testicular temperature which results in the animal becoming infertile while still producing the male hormone testosterone.

Goats, particularly young goats, are inquisitive and playful and their housing system must be able to satisfy natural behaviours that are important to them. Goats are susceptible to stress but good management can minimise the factors which may cause stress.

Sheep, especially Merinos, have woolly wrinkles and folds around the tail and breech area which attract blowflies and may become infested with maggots (flystrike). Sheep farmers have traditionally used mulesing to reduce flystrike risk.

Beef cattle are reared outdoors in all Australian states and territories. Southern areas with good pasture have herds with a high density of stock and northern areas, with less feed, have herds with a low density of stock.

The permanent housing of sheep in a single pen for the purpose of fine wool production was effectively banned in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep.

The removal of antlers, or de-antlering, of deer is performed to help protect other animals and handlers from injury. However, antlers are also removed in the production of antler velvet which is used for medicinal purposes.

Cashmere is a fine fibre that is obtained from Cashmere goats and other similar breeds. The animal welfare issues relate largely to the collection of this fibre, which in many parts of the world is done using a metal comb with sharp teeth.