These guidelines are aimed at sheep farmers, shearers and other sheep industry personnel. In a nutshell, they make recommemdations for the emptying out (fasting) of sheep before shearing. The benefits are:

• Lighter, easier to handle sheep, reducing the risk of manual handling injuries.
• Less soiling of pens and shearing boards, reducing the risk of slips and trips.
• Less urination, reducing the risk of lepospirosis in shearers.
• Reduced pen stain in wool.

Organisations Involved:

The Guidelines have been developed and endorsed by Federated Farmers, NZ Meat and Fibre Producers Council, the NZ Shearing Contractors Association, and the Agricultural Health and Safety Council.

See also 1 page summary poster

Table of contents

Part 1: Introduction

1.1 Endorsement
1.2 General Background
1.3 Objectives

Part 2: The Recommendations

2.1 Scope and Definitions

2.1.1 Scope of the Recommendations
2.1.2 Definitions

2.2 General Recommendations

2.2.1 Time off Feed
2.2.2 Yarding
2.2.3 Shedding Up
2.2.4 Lambs at Foot

2.3 Recommendations for Ewes

2.3.1 Background to Ewe Recommendations
2.3.2 Non-Pregnant and Non-Lactating Ewes
2.3.3 Ewes in Early or Mid-Pregnancy
2.3.4 Ewes in Late Pregnancy and Lactation

2.4 Recommendations for Hoggets

2.4.1 Background to Hogget Recommendations
2.4.2 Non-Pregnant and Non-Lactating Hoggets
2.4.3 Hoggets During Pregnancy and Lactation

2.5 Recommendations for Lambs

2.5.1 Background to Lamb Recommendations
2.5.2 Lambs Pre-Weaning
2.5.3 Weaned Lambs

2.6 Summary

References