Beef cattle production and management
Practical Action
3 Elastrator ring method
This is slow and should be done within the first week of life. It is more painfull. It involves
putting a rubber ring (elastrator ring) such that the testes are below the ring. This stops blood
flowing to the testes, which eventually die and drop in about two weeks. The rings must be close
to the body.
Elastoring Ring Method
Dehorning
The principle is to cauterize the horn bud and the surrounding skin. If this is not properly done,
you get scar or deformed horns.
Dehorned animals are easier and safer to work with than horned animals. There is reduced
damage inflicted without horns to the skin and udders. Dehorned animals require less space in
terms of feeding space, transport space in the truck and floor space.
Generally, it is done within a few months after birth or when the horn buds can be felt to about
5mm long.
Dehorning calves
Calves should be dehorned when the horn bud can be felt, but preferably within a month after
birth. The principle of dehorning is to cauterize the horn bud and the skin area surrounding it. If
the horn bud and skin are not properly cauterised malformed horn growth will be produced.
Dehorning older cattle
Horn growth up to 50mm in length may be removed close to the head with a sharp knife.
Cautery of the wound and surrounding skin will prevent further growth.
Dehorning methods
Hot iron methods
The iron is heated by gas, fire or electricity. The electricity and gas are preferred as they
produce a constant heat. The iron is heated to a dull glow. It is applied with circular motion for
3-5 seconds (not twisting motion). Guillotine dehorner can be used first if the base of the horn
is too wide for the iron. For fully-grown horns, a surgical wire or saw and local anesthesia are
used. To reduce bleeding, you can use hydrogen peroxide and try to do it in winter. The
dehorning wounds should be checked regularly.
Chemical dehorning
This is done using a caustic soda/ sodium dioxide or some branding liquid. This is done within 2
days of birth. First, you have to clip all the hair around the horn zone. This method is not
commonly used because animals are likely to rub off the liquid on to other parts of the body and
cause skin burns.
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