Welfare of sheep: code of practice

Milk sheep

Management

129 Milk sheep flocks are in many cases subjected to a more intensive system of husbandry than a conventional flock and will require especially vigilant stockmanship to ensure that their health and welfare are maintained.

130 Shepherds should be aware of specific problems relevant to milk sheep and the ways in which these may be avoided.

131 Some breeds of milk sheep appear to be especially susceptible to foot problems and these can be exacerbated by the husbandry methods under which the sheep are kept. The roadway, entrances and exits to buildings and fields should be well maintained and kept as clean as possible.

132 Routine treatments to prevent foot problems should be adopted but care should be taken in the observance of withdrawal periods for any medicines used, particularly during lactation. Efforts to combat footrot during the drying-off period are particularly important.

133 Milk sheep are naturally prolific and require particular attention to the level of nutrition provided during pregnancy and lactation.

Milking practices

134 Special attention should be paid to milking techniques, the adjustment of milking equipment and dairy hygiene. Milking should take place at least daily, on a regular basis, ensuring that ewes are not left with unrelieved, distended udders.

135 Before and after milking, hygiene measures should be adopted to reduce the spread of diseases of the mammary gland.

136 Good milking practices include careful handling, and examination of foremilk and the avoidance of excessive stripping.

Milking parlours and equipment

137 Pens, ramps, milking parlours and milking equipment should be properly designed, constructed and maintained to prevent injury and distress.

138 It is essential to ensure that milking machines are functioning correctly by proper maintenance and adjustment of vacuum levels, pulsation rates and ratios, taking account of the manufacturers' recommendations.