Dehorning calves is a simple, cost-effective practice that adds value to feeder cattle. Feeder cattle that are either polled or have been dehorned usually sell for $1.50 or $2.00 more per cwt. than those with horns when marketed.
Horned cattle in feedlots cause substantial bruising of carcasses during transporting and handling. Results of the 1992 National Beef Quality Audit revealed that 31.1 percent of the cattle in feedlots had horns. These horned cattle accounted for a $1 loss for every animal slaughtered or a total loss to the nation’s beef industry of $24.5 million. Most of the bruises are on the rib, loin, round and other high-priced cuts. The USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) conducted a survey of 1,250 feedlots in 1999 and the results showed that 17.4 percent of all the cattle placed in feedlots had horns.
The 1994 National Non-Fed Beef Quality Audit evaluated beef produced from cull cows and bulls. It revealed that the frequency of horns in cull cows and bulls was higher than in fed cattle. The audit showed that horned cull cows and bulls have twice as many bruises as hornless cattle. The audit also showed that bruises created a $12 loss per head for every cull cow and bull that the industry slaughtered in 1994.
Breeding animals in the herds should also be dehorned to improve the ease of working and to reduce the possibility of injury to both producer and cattle. Cattle without horns also take less space at the feed trough and cause fewer injuries during transportation.
Calves sold as feeders and requiring dehorning experience both reduced performance and increased sickness. Dehorning of these calves normally occurs while they are also stressed by weaning, marketing and transporting. The USDA NAHMS conducted a survey of feedlots in 1999. These feedlots indicated that feeder calves dehorned at least four weeks prior to shipping had reduced sickness or death loss.
Dehorn Calves When They Are Young
If calves are dehorned early in life, there are few complications. However, some labor and equipment are required. Calves dehorned at more than 2 months of age may require two weeks to return to their pre-dehorning weight. A few calves may develop infections, and rarely an older calf can die of blood loss. Calves are best dehorned at less than 1 month of age to avoid setbacks and complications. Dehorning in the early spring or fall avoids the fly season and makes infections less likely. Total cost for dehorning has been estimated at $5 per head. This cost can be reduced when combined with other practices. The 1997 NAHMS survey of cow-calf management practices revealed that the average age of dehorning calves was 162 days, or 5.4 months, which is too old.
Restraint Can Prevent Injury to Both the Producer and the Animal
An important first step in dehorning is to have an appropriate and adequate method of restraining the calf. Proper restraint insures the safety of both the calf and the operator. Calves less than 1 month of age can be dehorned by laying them on their side and holding them down. This may require an extra person and the ability to tie down a young calf. A squeeze chute or headgate will be needed for older calves. A head bar and nose bar will aid in restraining the animal’s head.
Correct Dehorning Prevents Future Growth
When done correctly, dehorning will both remove the horn and also prevent it from regrowing during the life of the animal. The horn grows from the skin at the base of the horn. A properly dehorned animal should have a 1/4 – 1/2 inch wide ring of skin at the base of the horn removed to prevent horn regrowth.
Source: Fred M. Hopkins, Professor, James B. Neel and F. David Kirkpatrick, University of Tennessee