NUMNUTS marking field studies 2017

Summary

4cDesign, Scotland, in collaboration with the Moredun Research Institute, Scotland, and CSIRO, Australia, have developed a prototype tool for delivery of local anaesthetic to the tail and scrotum of lambs at the time of marking (Numnuts®). The tool is a more ergonomic design than the current elastrator tool. This study evaluated the efficacy of Local Anaesthetic (Lignocaine 2%), delivered using the Numnuts® v12 tool in relieving pain related behaviours and postures associated with ring castration and tail docking in unweaned lambs In a trial on 300 lambs aged 4 to 8 weeks and weighing 8.6 to 28.6 kg replicated in 2 geographic locations (VIC and New South Wales). Delivery with the Numnuts® v12 tool of 1.5 mL lignocaine at ring castration and tail docking in males, and tail docking in female lambs reduced acute pain behaviours for 20 to 50 min following marking. Mothering up was improved in female lambs. No effects of Numnuts® treatment were detected on abnormal behaviours between 60 and 180 min following marking, or in growth rate in the 4 weeks following marking. Numnuts® improved welfare in male and female lambs in the period of most intense pain induced by ring marking.