Classing and culling of sheep are very important for the development of a good flock. It helps to remove undesirable animals and breeding from those which are most approximating the ideal sheep. About 10-20 per cent culling should be practiced annually to develop a good flock. The flock size should be maintained by replacing culled ewes by ewe lambs born in the flock.
The shepherds commonly practice notching or punching holes in the ears for identification of lambs. Tattooing is also satisfactory but is more expensive. Metal or plastic ear-tags with stamped letters and numbers are most suitable although they are relatively expensive and heavy for the ears of the smaller native goat. These ears tags are applied with the help of a clincher or applicator.
Surplus males are castrated to check indiscriminate mating but market demand most often favours the intact male. Castration is usually done by using knife, burdizzo castrator or elastrator. The elastrator method is the best as it is painless and bloodless. It involves placing of a tight rubber band around the root of the scrotum with the testicles below. The scrotum with enclosed testicles atrophy and slough off.
To control the ectoparasites the goat should be dipped to hold the chemical substance. There are standard designs for dips and there are many products effective against ectoparasites. A foot bath may also be provided at the entrance of the farm to prevent the spread of contagious diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and foot rot.