The National Sheep Association (NSA) continues to engage in key policy discussions on sheep castration and tail docking, ensuring the views of sheep farmers and the practical realities of farming are represented.

Following a major consultation in the spring, the sheep industry continues to await the Government's summary as Defra works through the unexpectedly high volume of responses.

Throughout the consultation process, NSA emphasised the importance of considering all farming systems and farm types. British sheep farming is hugely diverse and any changes to current practices could present different challenges depending on the farm and its management system.

NSA has continued to engage in discussions about the next steps following the consultation and is calling for an industry roadmap that allows sufficient time for further research and a better understanding of how castration and tail docking methods can be reduced and refined where possible. This would also give suppliers and advisers time to develop appropriate products, support and guidance, while allowing farmers to prepare for and adapt to any changes in management practices.

NSA Policy Manager Michael Priestley says: "While it is possible to reduce the need for tail docking and castration through changes to farming systems and genetics, the removal of these essential management practices is highly dependent on the circumstances of each individual farm. Removing routine management tasks that are fundamentally carried out to prevent welfare issues is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It is imperative that sufficient commercial trials are undertaken and data collected on higher-welfare methods of castration and tail docking, including a thorough assessment of the practicalities and health impacts of using pain relief in lambs.

"Whether tailing and castration are carried out, and which methods are used, depends on the breed, system and individual farm. It is therefore reassuring to see such a large response to the consultation, with so many individual farmers taking the time to respond. Every situation is relevant and needs to be heard, as the diversity of the sheep sector is its strength."