Effect of age at castration on behavioural response to subsequent tail docking in lambs.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of age at castration on the subsequent behavioural response to tail docking.


METHODS
Randomised prospective blinded experimental study.


METHODS
Forty-five male lambs were admitted to the study at birth.


METHODS
The lambs were allocated into two groups for castration by rubber ring at 1 (1D, n = 20) or 10 (10D, n = 25) days of age. Following castration both groups of lambs were tail-docked by rubber ring at between 26 and 34 days of age. Their behavioural responses to tail docking were recorded by video for 30 minutes before (n = 11) and 30 minutes after (n = 45) tail docking. Statistical differences were tested using anova with Mann-Whitney post-hoc testing.


RESULTS
Two data sets were removed resulting in n = 19 and = 24 at 1D and 10D, respectively. A significant increase in the incidence of active and abnormal postural behaviour was seen in both groups after tail docking. Three behaviours were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the two groups. These behaviours were rolling, standing unsteadily and the total proportion of time standing with abnormal posture. These behaviours all had greater incidence in the lambs castrated at 1D of age.


CONCLUSIONS
Lambs castrated at 1D appeared to perceive a greater intensity of pain after subsequent tail docking than lambs castrated at 10D.


CONCLUSIONS
The timing of a single noxious stimulus in young animals can affect subsequent pain perception.
McCracken
Leanne
L
Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Waran
Natalie
N
Mitchinson
Sheryl
S
Johnson
Craig B
CB
D000367:Age Factors; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy / Q000523:psychology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000662:veterinary; D012756:Sheep / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D013623:Tail / Q000601:surgery*