Assessing the welfare impact of concurrent husbandry procedures in newborn lambs

About the Project

Proposed supervisory team

• Prof Roberta Blake
• Dr Jon Amory
• Dr Nnenna Ugwu

Theme

AgriTech, Animal, and Environment Management

Summary of the research project

The welfare of farm animals, particularly during routine management practices, has become a focal point of research and public concern in recent years. One of the most common practices in sheep husbandry, particularly in the UK, involves tail docking, castration using rubber rings, and ear tagging, all of which are typically performed on lambs during the first few days of life. These procedures are considered essential for management efficiency, promoting herd health, and meeting industry standards. However, they are often carried out concurrently without the use of pain relief, which has led to questions regarding the cumulative impact on the welfare of lambs. While these practices are widespread, there is limited scientific evidence on the combined effects of these procedures when performed together, particularly concerning pain and distress. Furthermore, the potential benefits of introducing pain relief into these procedures have not been fully explored.

This research aims to fill this gap by investigating the welfare implications of concurrently performing tail docking, castration, and ear tagging without pain relief, as well as examining the potential benefits of introducing appropriate pain relief measures. By providing a comprehensive evaluation of these practices, the study will contribute valuable insights to improve animal welfare outcomes in lamb husbandry, and provide evidence-based recommendations that could influence both industry standards and policy.

Keywords: animal welfare, sheep, castration, ear-tagging, tail docking, pain

The PhD will be part of the vibrant Anglia Ruskin University multi-disciplinary / inter-disciplinary research community, more specifically within the AgriTech, Animal, and Environment Management Research Group. For more information, please contact: Dr Nnenna Ugwu at nnenna.ugwu@aru.ac.uk.

Where you'll study

Writtle

Funding

This project is self-funded.

Details of studentships for which funding is available are selected by a competitive process and are advertised on our jobs website as they become available.