1,169. Permitting a First-Born Animal

177:10 A first-born animal only becomes permitted by developing a blemish. It is prohibited to lock it up so that it will die on its own. Doing so would be considered causing the loss of a sanctified item.

177:11 It is prohibited to cause a blemish in a first-born animal, even indirectly, such as by putting dough on the animal's ear so that a dog will bite it. One may likewise not direct a non-Jew to make a blemish. One is permitted to give the animal to a non-Jew to raise or to watch.