Sheep Shearing Welfare - Best Practice Guide

Welfare considerations during sheep shearing, including shearer competency, timing, handling, and post-shearing care.

Key Facts

The UK shears approximately 18 million sheep annually, with most on a single annual schedule
Nicks and cuts occur in approximately 1-5% of sheep shorn by unskilled shearers
Newly shorn sheep are vulnerable to hypothermia if temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius within 4 weeks of shearing
Electric hand shearing is generally considered gentler than blade shearing for inexperienced operators
Sheep shorn in the traditional New Zealand position show fewer stress behaviors when shearers are experienced

Welfare Considerations

Shearing is a necessary procedure but one with significant welfare implications if conducted poorly. Sheep experience stress from restraint and handling, skin injuries from poor technique, and thermal stress post-shearing. Investing in shearer training, appropriate facilities, and weather monitoring significantly reduces welfare costs of this essential management procedure.

What You Can Do

Book qualified AWG (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) or NZCA-certified shearers
Ensure shearing facilities have non-slip flooring and good lighting
Monitor weather forecasts and avoid shearing when cold wet weather is predicted within four weeks
Inspect all sheep post-shearing for cuts and apply appropriate wound treatment
Provide housing or supplementary feeding for post-shearing ewes in cold conditions