The Importance of Shearing for Sheep Welfare
by Helena Uberti
Shearing is not merely a step in wool production - it is an essential practice for the health and comfort of sheep. Domestic sheep, unlike their wild ancestors, have been bred over thousands of years to produce wool continuously. Without regular shearing, this natural fiber would continue to grow unchecked, creating serious health and welfare issues.
A sheep's fleece provides necessary insulation during cold months, but as seasons change and temperatures rise, this thick coat becomes a burden rather than a benefit. Excessive wool can lead to heat stress, mobility issues, and increased vulnerability to parasites and infections.
Health Benefits of Proper Shearing
Regular shearing prevents a range of health problems. Overgrown fleece can trap moisture close to the skin, creating an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal infections. It also provides shelter for parasites like mites and lice, which can cause severe discomfort and skin conditions.
Additionally, sheep with excessive wool face increased risk of "wool blindness," where overgrown fleece around the face obstructs their vision, making it difficult to find food and water or detect predators. Heavy fleece can also cause sheep to become "cast" - unable to right themselves if they fall on their backs - a potentially fatal situation.
The Shearing Process
Professional shearers are trained to remove fleece efficiently while prioritizing the sheep's welfare. The process, when done properly by experienced hands, is quick and causes no harm to the animal. Skilled shearers work methodically, ensuring sheep remain calm throughout the process.
In our work with Pampa sheep farmers, we prioritize ethical shearing practices. The shepherds we collaborate with treat their animals with respect and care, viewing shearing not as an extraction of resources, but as a necessary service to the sheep's well-being.
Seasonal Timing and Care
Timing is crucial for ethical shearing. Most sheep are shorn in spring, after the coldest months have passed but before summer heat arrives. This timing ensures sheep are comfortable through temperature extremes - neither burdened by excessive fleece in heat nor left vulnerable to cold.
Understanding the importance of shearing helps us appreciate wool not as a commodity taken from animals, but as part of a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and sheep - one that, when approached ethically, supports the health and dignity of these remarkable animals.