The proposed study aims to assess and compare the efficacy of novel and existing anaesthetics and analgesics for routine marking procedures (castration and/or tail docking) in Merino sheep. This project aims to improve our current knowledge in therapeutic methods of pain mitigation in livestock and to identify an ideal combination of drug, dose, and route of administration, in order to maintain a higher standard of animal welfare in Australia and improve the sustainability of the wool industry.
The findings from this study may have the potential to further elevate current livestock practices regarding routine procedures and other painful conditions, and may assist in developing an economically practical and feasible method in administering pain relief drugs to livestock that is government approved with legislative regulation. By improving our understanding of pain assessment and methods of pain relief in Merino sheep, we may be able to identify an ideal therapeutic drug, dose, and site of administration from a range of both common and novel NSAIDs that will aim to make pain mitigation a more cost effective and more adopted practice in livestock management. The study has the potential to improve the quality of life and welfare of sheep during and following painful routine procedures, and will provide insight into developing effective pain relief techniques in sheep.
Thus this project may be an extremely valuable reference for improving sheep welfare and strengthening the efficiency and sustainability of the Merino wool industry in Australia.