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Dehorning calves is a task best carried out at the earliest opportunity.
Once cows and calves go out to grass, dehorning is a job that is often overlooked or delayed until housing time.
So before calves slip out to grass, take the time to bring dehorning up to date following the outlined tips.
1. Restrain calves securely
Calves should be securely restrained in a crate that is specifically designed for tasks such as dehorning, especially if the farmer ends up doing this task alone.
When properly restrained, there is less chance of the dehorning iron slipping and burning the calf or the operator.
As the calf’s head cannot move, it is much easier to rotate the iron and scoop out the bud.
2. Local anaesthetic
Never dehorn a calf without giving a local anaesthetic first.
The anaesthetic should be given on both sides of the head.
The correct injection site is a grooved channel that runs from the back of the eye (ie the side of the eye closest to the ear) up to the horn.
In most cases, around 3ml of anaesthetic per side should suffice for a calf up to one month old.
Leave at least five minutes to let the anaesthetic work before removing the horn bud.
3. Clip the hair from the horn bud
Before applying any dehorning device, clip the hair from around each horn bud, making it easier to see what you are doing.
4. Using the iron
There are numerous types of dehorning devices on the market, although most farmers tend to use a handheld gas burner to remove horn buds.
Whichever method you use, make sure you carry out the procedure properly.
In the case of an electric or gas burner, make sure the iron is sharp and piping hot before each use.
To test the temperature, place the iron on a piece of timber. It should burn a continuous ring.
Holding the calf’s ear out of the way, place the dehorning iron on the bud.
Rotate in a clockwise and anticlockwise direction for a few seconds before scooping the bud out.
Place the iron back on the horn for a few seconds to make sure the open area has been properly cauterised to stop any bleeding.
5. Apply an antiseptic spray
Apply an antiseptic spray on the area from which the bud has been removed to prevent infection.
There is also merit to giving calves some form of pain relief after horn buds have been removed.
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