Dehorning is the process of removing the horns of livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, for economic and safety reasons. Disbudding is a similar process that destroys horn buds before they develop into horns. Dehorning is not routinely performed since it is a difficult and painful process for the animal, and instead, most breeders disbud their animals while young when the process is quick and easy. The following are some reasons invoked in support of dehorning animals:
- Horns may cause injuries to handlers or other animals.
- Horns may damage hides and cause bruising, which reduces the value of carcasses.
- Horned cattle are harder to handle in yards and crushes.
Dehorning methods include hot iron dehorning, knife dehorning, tube/cup/spoon dehorning, and chemical disbudding. Hot iron dehorning is the most popular method of disbudding/dehorning calves, and it is most effective when done up to 3 months of age. Disbudding is the preferred method of horn removal by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which also recommends the procedure be performed at the earliest age practicable. Proper pain management for the calf is essential regardless of the dehorning method, and all producers need to work with their veterinarians to ensure that standard operating procedures (SOP) are in place to make their calves as comfortable as possible during dehorning. Dehorning larger animals is discouraged because of the increased pain and blood loss.
In summary, dehorning is the process of removing the horns of livestock, and it is done for economic and safety reasons. Disbudding is a similar process that destroys horn buds before they develop into horns. Dehorning methods include hot iron dehorning, knife dehorning, tube/cup/spoon dehorning, and chemical disbudding. Proper pain management for the calf is essential regardless of the dehorning method, and all producers need to work with their veterinarians to ensure that standard operating procedures (SOP) are in place to make their calves as comfortable as possible during dehorning.
