For South Africa’s livestock farmers, proper cattle management practices are critical for safety, productivity, and profitability. One such practice is dehorning – a topic expertly unpacked by Ashell Maenetja, an experienced livestock farmer and animal scientist and Nazareth Appalsamy, senior inspector at the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).
Dehorning is more than just a routine task; it is a vital management practice with significant implications for both farm operations and meat quality. Maenetja says, “The biggest purpose of dehorning is to prevent the problem of bruised meat.
“It’s something that we as communal farmers, or just farmers in general, don’t really understand the implication that comes with bruised meat, right? We are primary producers, so we don’t actually understand what happens with the end product.”
Bruised meat leads to financial losses for feedlots and decreases carcass and hide quality, reducing the price farmers receive for their animals. Beyond economic benefits, dehorning improves safety.
“It’s actually safer to work with animals that do not have horns. They are safer to themselves, to the other animals as well, but more importantly, to the farm infrastructure, the animal handlers, as well as the farmers themselves,” Maenetja emphasises.
Related stories
- Tips for cattle farmers: Pregnancy detection & calving management
- Boost profits with smart cattle marketing strategies
- Prodigal farmer returns home to rebuild cattle herd
10 essential tips for dehorning
1. Timing the right age for dehorning
Timing is crucial when it comes to dehorning. Maenetja explains the distinction between disbudding and dehorning.
Disbudding (2–8 weeks old): At this stage, horn buds are free-floating and not yet attached to the skull, making removal less invasive. “You don’t even need to sedate your animals. You don’t need to stress much about pain management or applying local anaesthetics as well,” he shares. The preferred method for disbudding is using a hot iron, which is quick, less painful, and has minimal complications.
Appasalmy advises farmers to adhere to methods approved by the industry codes of best practices. Farmers are only permitted to administer disbudding and cauterising of young calves.
Dehorning (6 months and older): Once horns are fully developed, dehorning becomes more complex, requiring the involvement of veterinarians to administer sedatives and anaesthetics. “Older animals may also require other methods like chipping, trimming, or using dehorning bands,” says Maenetja.
These methods, while effective, must be applied carefully to minimise stress and prevent complications such as excessive bleeding or infection.
Appalsamy emphasises that, “It is rational and preferable to breed cattle without horns (polled cattle) since the polled gene can readily be introduced into any breed and constitutes a permanent, painless way of obviating the need to practice dehorning.”
Dehorning with caustic paste, a method that involves applying a caustic agent to the horn buds of young calves carries significant welfare risks due to the potential for the caustic substance to spread beyond the intended area. According to Appasalmy, the agent can drip or be washed away by rain or moisture, causing severe chemical burns to the eyes, ears, or face of the animal. Additionally, calves may rub the treated area on objects or other cattle, further spreading the substance and increasing the risk of injury.
“For these reasons, using caustic substances is not the recommended method of dehorning and is therefore prohibited in terms of SANS 1694:2018 ‘The welfare of dairy cattle’. Whilst the prohibition of dehorning or caustic paste is referenced in SANS 1694:2018, it is not limited to dairy cattle and includes all horned animals,” notes Appasalmy.
2. Select the appropriate method
For disbudding:
Hot iron method: Preferred for its effectiveness and minimal complications. Ensure the iron is properly heated, and the calf is restrained. “For younger calves, hot iron disbudding is a reliable method. Older cattle may need professional help for safer outcomes,” Maenetja notes.
For older cattle:
Trimming or chipping: Removing the horn tips reduces injury risks but doesn’t eliminate them completely.
Appalsamy has some warnings on behalf of the NSPCA: “It is important to note that the dehorning of adult cattle using saws, hacksaws, axes, keystone instruments, embryotomy wires or other methods is forbidden, and any such practices will lead to prosecution under the Animals Protection Act”, notes Appasalmy.
Dehorning bands, used to induce the necrosis of the horn, underlying tissues, and bone, are not considered an acceptable method for dehorning cattle. “This in turn renders the animal susceptible to serious infections, including gangrene,” says Appasalmy.
3. Proper restraint
Proper restraint is crucial to ensure the safety of both the handler and the animal. Maenetja emphasises that proper restraint minimises risks of injury.
“A well-restrained animal makes the procedure faster and safer for everyone involved.”
4. Invest in training
If you are inexperienced, seek guidance from veterinarians or experienced farmers. Participate in workshops or practical demonstrations to improve your skills.
Maenetja recommends collaborative learning within farming communities to promote better practices.
5. Prioritise pain management
Even though disbudding young calves may not require anaesthesia, pain relief is essential for older animals undergoing dehorning.
“Consult a vet to get it right,” advises Maenetja.
6. Maintain hygiene
Clean, sterilised tools are non-negotiable to prevent infections. Ensure the area and equipment are sanitised before and after the dehorning. “Always sterilise equipment and monitor wounds carefully after the procedure,” Maenetja says.
7. Avoid high-risk seasons
Maenetja recommends avoiding dehorning or disbudding during fly-infested periods, as open wounds can attract pests and complicate healing. Farmers should ensure that wounds are protected from contamination.
In addition to this, wounds should be inspected regularly. To avoid maggots and infestation by flies, Maenetja advises the topical application of wound spray from the second day after disbudding.
“The best time to disburse calves is early spring and winter. Disbudding calves should be avoided during summer and autumn months because of the increased risk of infection and fly strike.”
8. Monitor aftercare
After the procedure, observe cattle for symptoms which could indicate complications. Maenetja advises farmers to provide proper wound care and consult a veterinarian if issues arise.
“Aftercare is critical. Watch for excessive bleeding, swelling, or infection, and treat wounds promptly.”
9. Seek professional support
Don’t hesitate to involve a veterinarian for challenging cases, says Maenetja. “When in doubt, call a vet. Poor techniques can harm your livestock and affect your operation.”
10. Share knowledge
Maenetja advises producers to foster collaboration within the farming community. Practical demonstrations organised by extension officers or local farming groups can be very valuable for inexperienced farmers.
“Farmers should host or attend knowledge-sharing sessions on livestock management. These are invaluable for improving skills and building confidence.”
[The original article was enhanced on 12 December 2024 to include the perspectives of the NSPCA.]
READ NEXT: Animal technology graduates step up to secure SA’s biosecurity
Sign up for Farmer’s Inside Track: Join our exclusive platform for new entrants into farming and agri-business, with newsletters and podcasts.
