Animal Health & Welfare

This method can be used on young calves to destroy new horn tissue, preventing further growth by destroying the horn producing cells at the base of the horn.

Method

• Apply an anaesthetic and allow adequate time for it to act
• Hold the hot iron on the horn for 10 to 15 seconds until a deep copper-coloured ring appears around the horn
• The horn bud or button will slough off in 4 to 6 weeks

Advantages

• Bloodless method
• Can be used at any time of year
• This is the method advocated by Defra and the Scottish Government when disbudding (see the link to the welfare codes on the right)

Precautions

• Restrain calf adequately
• Wear leather gloves to prevent self injury
• Use only properly functioning equipment