Sheep Freeze Brand - An Alternative to Mulesing

Summary

John Steinfort has developed an alternative to traditional mulesing, that uses a sheep freeze brand (SFB). Referred to below as a non-mulesing liquid nitrogen (NM-LN) process.
Improved welfare for animals compared with surgical mulesing, with no open wounds.
NM-LN process leads to increased weight gain, improved average fleece weight, reduced need for chemicals, and easier crutching and shearing.

Image: NM-LN at Lamb Marking (October 2017)

Introduction

The NM-LN process offers significantly improved welfare for lambs. Below is a visual comparison of lambs, after both a traditional mulesed and NM-LN process.

Image: Mulesed Lamb

Image: NM-LN Bloodless Process

Eschar Lifts with Associated Wool

The targetted skin contracts, stretches the neighbouring skin, and lifts off as a scab 45 days later.

Image: Eschar after 45 days

Image: Eschar after 45 days

Results of NM-LN Process in 2021

In 2021 the NM-LN technology was completed. Trials showed 95% consistency and greater skin reduction evident.

The images below show weaned lambs 4 months after NM-LN process.

Note:

Minimal scarring
Full functioning tail and muscular movement
Bare skin on edges of tail
Significant breech stretch.

Breech results significantly reduce breech flystrike without the need for chemical application, and ease of crutching and shearing. This has been well received by shearers.

Image: Breech after 4 months

Image: Breech after 4 months

NM-LN Comparative Study: Empirical Study (2017/2018)

To determine the impact of NM-LN (previously referred to as the "Breeching Process") applied to the tail and breech of merino lambs at marking, as measured by their average body weight gain (AWG), and average fleece weight, in the period following the LNP application.

University of Melbourne Comparative Trials Conclusions (2020)

NM-LN lambs had better weight gains than mulesed lambs.
NM application had no open wounds.
"Over the longer term the increased weight gains and closed wound healing suggests LN may provide these animal welface outcomes over surgical mulesing".
In the field, significant animal welfare and no evidence of weight loss are constantly seen.

NM-LN Process on Weaners (2021)

Preferred animal welfare outcomes compared with NM without PL.
Plainer breeches with same wool type and production without mulesing.
Allows the wool sector choice to move away from mulesing.
A change in animal production and welfare impacts that until now have been accepted as common practice.

Image: Prior to NM-LN Process

Image: After breech freeze

Image: In the yard after NM-LN process

Steinfort Detailer Hot Knife

Commercially available in 2022.

Image: Hot knife detail

Image: Hot knife variants

Image: Hot knife in action

Note 1: Reshapes docked tail and removes lower side woolly skin

Note 2: Some bare skin at tail tip and sides. Crutchers and producers prefer to other detaillers.

Testimonials from the Field

Insert some detail about Ollie (perhaps name/location of property, length of time using NM-LN process, etc).

The Future: NM-LN

Preferred animal welfare outcomes compared with NM without PL.
Plainer breeches with same wool type and production without mulesing.
Allows the wool sector choice to move away from mulesing.
A change in animal production and welfare impacts that until now have been accepted as common practice.

Image: Mothering up after NM-LN & lamb marking

Image: Mustering one day after NM-LN

More Information

For further information, contact:
John Steinfort
Ph: 0428 595 957
Em: johns@steinfortagvet.com.au

Steinfort Agvet Pty Ltd
3/15 June Court, Warragul, VIC 3820