The best age for dehorning calves and the top 3 ways, suitable means
There are hornless livestock breeds that do not grow horns. In other breeds, for some reason, they try to get rid of horns. This is a common practice on a livestock farm, and cow horns are removed in the household. After the operation, the horns of calves do not grow back; dehorning is also carried out for adult animals. Consider the reasons for dehorning calves, why it is carried out, what are the ways and how to do it correctly.
Why is this done?
The horns are removed for cows that will be raised on loose housing. Since the animals are free to move around the house, contact is inevitable, which can lead to conflict, fights and horn injuries, sometimes serious.
It has been proven that where livestock without horns are kept, productivity increases by 10%. Having no horns, livestock becomes calmer, as they are deprived of the opportunity to sort things out, cows are busy eating feed, as a result, there is an increase in meat and milk. Hornless cows cannot injure not only relatives, but also a person, it becomes more convenient to work with them. You can also remove horns from calves on your farm if you invite a specialist for this.
At what age?
Dehydration can be carried out at different ages, it all depends on the method of processing. For example, horns can be chemically removed from calves 3-5 days old. At the age of 2-3 weeks, the horny tubercle is cauterized with thermocouchers. At the age of 1-2 months, the horns of the calves are excised with a tubular knife. When they are 3-6 months old, the horns are excised with a pruner. It is recommended to remove the horns of calves up to 2 months of age. The younger they are, the easier the operation will be.
What are the ways?
The horns are removed in several ways, using different materials and devices. For example, thermal, chemical and surgical methods are used.
Thermal
This method is considered simple and safe. Around the rudiments of the horns (horny tubercles), wool is first cut, after which each tubercle is cauterized with an electric apparatus. The exposure time is 10-15 minutes.
After cauterization, the bumps are lubricated with antiseptic preparations, and in the summer months, repellents are additionally used to scare off flies.
Chemical
The method is suitable for handling small calves. The same preparation is carried out, that is, first, the wool is cut around the tubercles. Then wipe with alcohol, apply small scratches with a metal brush. After the tubercles are lubricated with a caustic mixture of antimony trichloride (28%), collodion (65%) and salicylic acid (7%). Treatment options: nitric acid, caustic soda, caustic potassium.There are also ready-made ointments with which the horns are treated to prevent growth.
Surgical
The effectiveness of the method is based on the fact that the base of the horn and the primordium are loosely connected. The operation is carried out using a metal tube that is sharpened on one side. The sequence of removal: the center of the horny tubercles is determined, the hair is clipped around, the skin is treated with an antiseptic or alcohol. Anesthesia is performed with novocaine.
The skin adjacent to the tubercle is cut with a tube, reaching the head bone. Tilting the tube, cut the base of the horns. If there is blood, the site of damage is treated with hemostatic agents.
The method requires practice, so only specialists can perform it. The result and normal healing can be obtained only if the operation is performed correctly and after treatment.
Means for dehydration
An ointment that prevents the growth of horns is used on calves 2-3 days old. The agent is rubbed into the area with the rudiments of the horns with a thin layer, capturing an area of no more than 2 cm. The borders of the tubercles must be processed carefully so as not to touch the adjacent tissues. After a week, you need to check the result. You need to work with the paste with rubber gloves. Only calves up to 2 months of age need to apply the ointment; in older animals, the effect may be unsatisfactory: the horns will grow and become deformed. The same is observed with incorrect application.
Another way of dehydration is thermal shock treatment. The device operates from an electrical outlet or a gas cartridge, the second option is preferable due to mobility. The horns are cauterized with a thermocoupler when they have just become visible. The exposure time is about 5 seconds. It is important to properly withstand the time, deviations in one direction or another will lead to the fact that the horns will grow deformed or there may be skin burns.
How to deface a cow
For adults, the horns are sawed off, they do it using hacksaws, special saws, scissors or jigsaws. Anesthesia is carried out with anesthetic drugs, for example, a solution of "Novocain". You need to choose the right time for the operation. Pregnant animals should not be dehumidified, especially in the 2-1 half of pregnancy, stress can cause abortion.
A suitable time for processing is autumn, at this time there are no insects that could carry infections. In case of an error in the technique, bleeding, head bone injuries are possible. Saw height - 3 cm from the warp. If you cut down below, bleeding and infection are possible. After the end of the operation, treat the saw cut with antiseptics.
Dehumidification of calves and cows is a standard procedure on many cattle farms. The procedure has a positive effect on the behavior of animals, reduces the risk of injury, which, as a result, leads to an increase in the productivity of cows. A skilled specialist performs the procedure quickly and professionally, painless for calves, animals tolerate it well.
