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Post by triangles on Oct 4, 2007 21:03:49 GMT -5
We've decided here that our cows can have either testicles or horns but not both. However, since we are new to cattle we don't know a whole lot about dehorning. We've got a young bull with little button horns now and I was wondering if anyone knows how long you can wait before using electric dehorners?
Wes
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Post by jessica on Oct 5, 2007 5:28:15 GMT -5
I am also interested in info on dehorning. What are the different methods that others use and the success rate. I have used the electric dehorner on two of ours and one took and the other did not. Same thing with the paste so we had the vet come finish the job. Also how soon till your sure a calf is polled? I have a polled bull and all but one of my cows is horned. My plan is for a multi colored polled herd with great utters that yield quality meat.(think I'm aiming too high) : )
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Post by fuzzy on Oct 5, 2007 10:42:08 GMT -5
There are many ways to dehorn cattle. The caustic paste can be done while the horn buttons are still small. This can cause problems if the calf is being fed from a bucket since the buttom can fall off and into the milk then be ingested by the calf making them sick or die. You must coat the area around the button with patrolum jelly befor applying the paste. When the calf is real young you can use a gouge or a pocket knife and cut the button out. As the animal gets older you can use the electric dehorner. The biggest problem with it is that the person using it does not leave it on long enough to kill the blood supply. As the animal gets older and the horn is larger then the Barn's Dehorner is the way to cut the horn off. With this you must thake part of the skull with the horn then the artries must be pulled to stop the beeding. A steptic paste can help with the beeding. For Mature animal the horns can be removed with a gilotine dehroner or with a saw. The electric dehorner can be used up until the horn button is too large to fit the burner.
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Post by GrandmasDexters on Oct 5, 2007 11:43:44 GMT -5
Hi Triangles,
I have to say I laughed outloud when I read your message. I have had the same philosphy, just never thought of it that way.
Dan
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Post by copperhead on Oct 8, 2007 22:14:06 GMT -5
I know it's not practical for some people, but for me, I take the calves to the vet, and have them de-horned, castrated, vaccinated, and I do my tatoo while they are still in the head gate. Get it all done in one trip, and it's sure a lot easier on me and Joe. I know, I should tatoo when they are born, but somehow, I don't always get around to it. P.J.
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lsg
member
Posts: 247
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Post by lsg on Nov 7, 2007 10:23:40 GMT -5
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