DEHORNING CALVES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 1 October 1927, Page 10

DEHORNING CALVES

In view of the- number of cattle breeders who believe in dehorning except amongst stud stock, we give the following directions for the treatment of young calves.

The operation should be performed when the calf is from two to seven days old. This is how one authority writes on the subject First clip the hair from around the budding horns, the tips ol which should then be slightly moistened, care being taken to avoid wetting the surrounding skin. Then rub the tip of each horn firmly with a stick of caustic potash until a light impression has been made on the centre of the horn. This can generally be done in less than half a minute. The horns should lie treated in this manner from two to four times, according to the size of the horn and the age of the animal, allowing about five minutes to elapse between each application. If. during the interval of five minutes after one or more applications, a little blood appears in the centre of the horn, it will then only be necessary to give another very- slight rubbing with the potash. In some cases the calf may show signs of acute pain, after treatment. This can be relieved without lessening the success of the operation by applying, with a small brush or sponce, a solution of chloral hydrate in water. This solution, together with the caustic potash, can be obtained ready for use from a chemist The following points should be carefully noted:—Roll a piece of strong paper round one end of the caustic potash stick to prevent the fingers being injured. Do not moisten the horn too much, or the caustic will spread to the surrounding skin and destrov the flesh. For the same reason, keep the calf from getting wet for some days after the operation- Be very careful to rub on the centre of the horn, and not round the sides of it. The operation should not be attempted if the call is more than nine days old. One man should

hold the calf while an assistant uses the caustic. If caustic potash is exposed to the air it rapidly deteriorates and becomes worthless. When not in use it must, therefore, be kept in an airtight hottie. To the foregoing I may add that the application of some vaseline on the parts immediately surrounding the horn or button is advisable in the interests of,humaneness.