Key Points and Operation Methods of Calf Dehorning Explained
On most farms, calves are often dehorned. This is because if a calf is not dehorned, once it grows up, its horns will be too sharp, leading to fighting behavior that can cause serious trauma to the herd and can also injure the handlers. In addition, after dehorning, calves have the advantages of being extremely docile and growing faster. Therefore, dehorning calves is necessary. So how should calves be dehorned? Come to Qinnongwang and take a look at calf dehorning techniques.
1. Timing of Calf Dehorning
The timing of dehorning calves must be well controlled. When dehorning, success must be ensured, but it must not cause major harm to the calf. Generally, dehorning begins when the calf is 7-10 days old, and the latest time must not exceed 20 days of age. Otherwise, when the calf is slightly older, its nervous system will be fully developed, it will be more sensitive to pain, and recovery will also be slower, making it prone to infection. In severe cases, pain can cause heavy bleeding and lead to the death of the calf.
2. Chemical Dehorning Method
The chemical dehorning method mainly uses chemicals to remove horns. This chemical is mainly sodium hydroxide. There are also special calf dehorning pastes on the market in China, which are more convenient. When using it, first secure the calf well so that it cannot swing around greatly, remove the hair around the horn completely, then disinfect the area, and then apply the dehorning paste to the horn bud. The operator must wear protective gloves to avoid injury from the chemical. In addition, when applying, be careful not to apply it to the calf's eyes or nose. After application, the calf will experience slight discomfort, but it will soon disappear. After applying the chemical, the dehorned calf should be raised separately for three to five days to prevent licking by other cattle. Generally, after one week the horn will scab and fall off, and it will not grow back.
3. Electric Iron Dehorning Method
The electric iron dehorning method is relatively fast and is suitable for large-scale farms. It uses a 100-watt electric iron for dehorning. Likewise, secure the calf well, and after preheating the electric iron, press it onto the horn bud of the calf. Once the horn bud forms a depression, it is done. After three to four days, a scab will form. At this time, do not tear off the scab manually; let it fall off on its own. After it falls off, the growth base of the horn is destroyed and the horn will not grow back.
4. Post-Dehorning Management
After dehorning, it will more or less cause some harm to the calf, so management must be strengthened at this time. First, the cattle shed must be kept clean and hygienic. In addition, it must be quiet to prevent the calf from being frightened, so that it can quickly recover its constitution. Strengthen feeding, increase adequate reasons, improve its resistance, do a good job of disinfection, inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria and microorganisms, prevent bacteria from invading through the wound and causing the calf to become infected with disease, vaccinate in a timely manner, and carry out disease prevention and control measures well.
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