Docking and Castration Melanie Barkley Bedford County Extension Agent Docking and castration are often done at the same time on animals that are just a few days old.
Docking is the process of removing the tail to prevent problems from fly strike.
Castration is the process of removing the testicles to prevent the development of aggressive behaviors. Several methods can be used for docking or castration. Be sure to perform these operations carefully and use good sanitation to prevent any sickness or death. Be careful of performing either task in warm weather when flies can lay eggs in the tail or the area that is healing. Always give a tetanus shot to lambs when they are docked or castrated.