For farmers running spring-calving herds, make sure that dehorning is up to date with March- and April-born calves.

While some calves will have prominent horn buds from 10 to 14 days of age, some calves don’t show buds until they reach four to five weeks of age.

Removing these buds now is easier to carry out, rather than leaving it until housing time.

It is also a good time to carry out this procedure before fly activity increases.

Procedure

When it comes to dehorning, make sure calves are properly restrained in a purpose-made handling crate.

This makes it safer for the animal and operator, as well as making it easier to complete the task properly.

Calves should also receive an anaesthetic before dehorning and give adequate time for it to freeze the nerves before removing the horn bud.

Once the bud has been removed, cauterise the opening to stop any bleeding and apply an antiseptic spray.

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