Description
Dehorning
Horns are removed because they can pose a risk to humans, other animals and to the bearers of the horns themselves (horns are sometimes caught in fences or prevent feeding). Dehorning is normally performed with local anesthesia and sedation by a veterinarian or a trained professional. Removal of larger horns is usually performed during spring and autumn to avoid fly season. In very large horns, “tipping” (removal of the tip of the horn) may be recommended to minimize bleeding. Dehorning is not routinely performed, since it is a difficult and painful process for the animal. Instead, most breeders disbud their animals while young, when the process is quick and easy. Dehorning is controversial because of the pain it causes.
Electronic portable dehorner
Unrivaled autonomy of 100 calves
Portable – Lithium-Ion Battery
Instant heating to 650°c
Only 7,5 seconds per horn
Limits stress and pain for the animal
Veterinary Instruments & Supplies
Dehorner kit Steribud w/ Euro Charger
- Spare heating blade 16,5mm
- Spare heating blade 19mm
- Spare ceramic head 16,5mm
- Spare ceramic head 19mm
- Wrist-wrap
- Wall charger – Euro
- Car charger – Universal
Advantages and Disadvantages
- bloodless
- can be used at any time of the year
- young calves up to 12 weeks of age
- unreliable when done incorrectly, leads to scurs (partial horn growth)
- requires expertise – pain control and technique
How to use dehorner
Hot Iron Dehorning
Hot iron dehorners are available in versions heated by a furnace or fire, 12-volt battery, 120-volt electricity, power packs (e.g., Buddex™) or LP gas (Figure 4). The head of the iron is a hollow circle and it fits over the horn bud. Proper application of the hot iron will destroy the horn-producing skin at the base of the horn. This technique works well for calves up to 12 weeks old. There are several sizes of dehorning irons. The proper size is one where the burner makes a complete ring around the base of the horn. For electric irons, use a short extension cord as voltage drops with a long cord, limiting the amount of heat generated by the dehorner.
Technique
- Administer sedation, analgesia and local anesthetic.
- Preheat the dehorning iron to a red color. Both electric and gas irons work best when they are “red” hot.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Hold the calf’s ear out of the way to keep it from being burned.
- Place the tip of the burner over the horn and apply slight pressure. When the burning hair begins to smoke, slowly rotate the dehorner by twisting your wrist.
- Continue the application of heat for 10-15 seconds. Do not leave the dehorner in place for much longer, especially in young calves. Heat can be transferred through the thin bones of the skull and damage the calf’s brain.
- Dehorning is complete when there is a colored ring all the way around the base of the horn.
- The horn bud or button will slough off in 4 to 6 weeks.
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