Shearing is a necessary welfare procedure for most domestic sheep breeds, but the experience for the sheep varies enormously depending on shearer skill and conditions.
Shearing subjects a prey animal to a prolonged period of physical restraint, unfamiliar handling and loud mechanical equipment. Skilled shearers who work calmly, swiftly and confidently minimise this stress period and avoid skin lacerations. Poor technique extends the restraint period, increases stress vocalisations and cortisol responses, and produces wounds that require treatment. Welfare-conscious shearing requires pre-training of sheep to human handling, calm skilled technique, appropriate weather assessment before shearing, and post-shearing monitoring for injury and thermal stress.