Although a long tail can protect the anus and vulva and help a sheep withstand harsher conditions, it has drawbacks. A long tail is more likely to get stepped on, chewed or otherwise damaged.

Last week we discussed the controversy surrounding tail docking in domestic species. Turning to sheep, most sheep have their ...

Their tail is a fat bank that gets heavy with maturity. It is thus common for sheep to soil their hind quarters. This poses a hygiene issue initially that progresses to pose a health challenge.

She has used her strategy to successfully shorten tails in mice. "This is a modification that already exists in sheep. We're just taking this edit that we see occurring in short-tail sheep in China ...

The maggots of these flies burrow into the sheep body producing a poisonous secretion that cause wounds and systemic infections. This is easily predisposed by long uncut sheep tails. Tail docking ...