DEHORNING.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9022, 7 February 1895, Page 6

DEHORNING.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sib,— Dehorning can be accomplished (a) by use of chemicals, (b) by budding, (o) by nseof nuny shears'made for the purpose, (d) by the saw. In calves the processes (a) and (b) though successful are attended by a certain amount of pain. In older animals removal of horns by shears (c) is rapid, - successful, bnt in many cases followed by suppuration, and consequently prolonged ■offering. With regard to (d) removal of horns by the saw, this is in my opinion the most rational and humane method, because Jl) there is no excessive hemorrhage, (2j here is no danger of suppuration, (5) the actual time taken in removal of each horn does not in any. case (when skillfully performed) exceed fifteen seconds, while elevation of temperature in many test cases never exceeded one-tenth of ia degree; the .pulse never exceeded an increase of ten, and the respiration only seven. These observations apply to animal* up to four years old. Though I readily admit considerable pain is experienced I am equally convinced it is bat momentary, as is clearly shown by the perfect health and contentment of the animals within thirty minutes of their being operated upon. So long as the B.P.C.A. confines itself to seeing that no needless cruelty ia inflicted when removing the horns 'it will nave my support, but the moment it attempts to render the operation illegal surely the stockowners of the colony will rise to the occasion and show that not alone is the operation desirable but absolutely necessary, especially so now that there is •very prospect of a live cattle trade to England. Statistics are not forthcoming in New Zealand, bnt the fact that annually 100,000 head of stock are injured in America owing to the presence of horns surely speaks loudly enough.—Yours, &c, E. X. B. Worth*.