The disbudding of calves should be completed when the horn is still in the development stage, as the horn buds are not yet attached to the skull.
Disbudding calves is a lot easier and safer than having to deal with older cattle, plus there is less tissue damage caused when the procedure is done on younger animals.
Legislation
The disbudding of calves is carried out to comply with regulations under the Diseases of Animals Act (1966) which prohibits the sale or export of horned animals.
Disbudding procedures must be carried out in compliance with the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act (1965).
It is illegal to disbud a calf over two-weeks-old without using a local anesthetic. The veterinary advice is that all calves should be treated with a local anesthetic when disbudding.
Local anesthetic may be obtained by prescription from veterinary surgeons.
Method
There are several methods for disbudding calves with the most commonly used one being cauterisation.
Cauterisation method:
- Restrain the calf, preferably using a custom-built calf-dehorning crate;
- Identify the location of the buds and administer anesthetic of 2-3ml on both sides. Consult your vet regarding their procurement and application/administration;
- Prior to disbudding it may be useful to clip the hair around the horn bud so that it can be seen easily and a clean burn can be achieved;
- Place the hot disbudding iron on the bud and rotate it in a half circle 10 or 12 times while applying pressure. Angle the instrument so that the edge burns the skin around the rim of the bud;
- Dig out the horn by pressing and moving the head of the iron laterally, leaving a crater in the skin. There may be a small protrusion in the centre of the hollow but this may be left as it is not horn-forming tissue;
- Remove the other horn bud in the same manner.
After care
Claves need to be inspected daily for about 10 days after dehorning for early detection of infection or fly strike.
The symptoms usually seen are constant tossing of the head and/or a discharge from the wound. Consult with your vet if wounds get infected or you see any other symptoms.
Antibiotics or antibiotic sprays should not be required during the process.
Anti-inflammatories can be given to calves for pain management. These can help the calf to manage any pain, making the calf more likely to drink again and they should be more lively.