Tail Docking Equipment

 

Tail Scissors or Forceps

1

The tail scissors or forceps must not be those used for teeth clipping

2

The tail scissors must be cleaned between litters by wiping the blades with cotton wool soaked in surgical spirit

3

All blood must be removed from the scissors immediately by wiping with cotton wool 

4

If faecal material contaminates the blades, this must be cleaned off immediately, using disinfectant and surgical spirit 

5

After use, the scissors must be cleaned in hot soapy water using a tooth brush to clean the blades

6

Do not sterilise the scissors by boiling as this will blunt the blades

7

The scissors should then be placed in surgical spirit or alcohol for 10 minutes

8

Allow to air dry

9

Store the scissors in a clean plastic bag

10

The aim of the operation is a quick and complete severance of the part of the tail to be removed

11

Gas de-tailers may be preferred over scissors

12

The operation must only performed on piglets less than 7 days old, unless carried out by a veterinary surgeon