This Merino lamb is about to have its tail removed. This is often done with rubber rings or a tailing iron, but this farmer is using a knife. Lambs’ tails are removed to stop dags and stained wool building up, which would make them prone to fly strike (flies laying their eggs on a living animal). Also, sheep with tails take longer to crutch and shear.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference:
AAQT 6401 A9694
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Tāpiritia te tākupu hou