Comparison of Three Different Dehorning Techniques on Pain, Behavior, Wound Healing, and Performance in Feeder Cattle

Abstract

Removing the horns of cattle is a common practice in most modern day cattle feeding operations. The procedure is thought to decrease injury inflicted on penmates by cattle with horns. Currently, three methods of this procedure are commonly used: 1) tipping, or partial horn removal, 2) mechanical removal, and 3) banding. No research exists that directly compares the three methods and monitors effects on pain, behavior, wound healing, and performance.