Current Data on Dehorning Calves

Dehorning calves is a necessary practice that should be conducted as early as possible and with appropriate anesthetic/analgesia. With the possible exception of caustic paste, calves perceive and react to acute pain during dehorning, regardless of method, when no local anesthetic is used. Extensive research has shown that dehorning stimulates both an acute pain response and a delayed inflammatory reaction. These effects have been measured through physiological, behavioural, and pain sensitivity responses. The best method to fully address pain management for dehorning should include both a local cornual nerve block and systemic analgesia, particularly when calves are dehorned at or beyond four weeks of age. Current adoption rates of farm operator’s use of local anesthetics and/or systemic analgesia for dehorning are extremely low. Veterinarians are influential in designing dehorning protocols for on-farm use. A routine dehorning service conducted by trained technicians through a veterinary practice is one means of controlling dehorning protocols on-farm.