Programs designed to replace traditional mulesing with welfare-improved practices – non surgical alternatives:

6. Intradermals

Breech of unmulesed sheep (left) and sheep treated with Skintraction^TM (right).

>> Back to the flystrike prevention menu

The Australian wool industry has done extensive research to find an effective intradermal agent. Some of the compounds that have been examined include collagenase, cetrimide, calcium alginate (sub-dermal) and cyanoacrylate (sub-dermal). Unfortunately trials of these agents have not been successful.

However, one agent known as Skintraction™ continues to show promise. Skintraction™ is sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), an anionic surfactant. It has been developed by Cobbett Technologies, with support from AWI.

Work remains in the development stage though it still has some way to go. The product is progressing to large scale commercial field trials in 2009. Product registration is underway with final registration likely to occur in 2011.

The injection procedure involves the compound being delivered into the skin using needleless injection technology. A needleless applicator delivers a measured dose of formulation one millimetre into the skin – not through the skin, or into the muscle. This is designed to cause skin contraction without an open wound.

The welfare impacts of the SLS intradermal have been measured from three studies which are currently going through the peer review process. Preliminary results indicate there is a significant welfare improvement compared with traditional mulesing.

Download the presentation on Intradermal Options - "Skintraction" update - May 2010 (1.5Mb PDF)

Watch the latest SkinTraction update below (June 2010).