Dehorning Iron Gas Heated With Gas Fitting

The most common irons used for disbudding are irons attached to a gas cylinder. These heat up quickly and, although bulky to handle, are relatively easy to use. Because they are constantly heated they remain hot throughout the process in contrast to stand-alone irons heated using a gas burner.

WHY DEHORN YOUR CATTLE. Animals become gentler and more productive when they have been dehorned. Regulations require cattle to be dehorned before going to the works to prevent damage to hides and bruising of meat- as well as damage to yards and injury to handlers. The dehorning of adult cattle produces a marked docility and, in dairy cattle which have to be mobbed up each day, reduces the bossing of replacement heifers. A dehorner should cut with a quick single stroke- without slivering or crushing- to minimise pain and discomfort. Horns are best removed during the first year, ideally before eight weeks of age. Remember, New Zealand regulations require an animal over 9 months old to be anaesthetised with a veterinarian in attendance. Avoid cold or wet weather or hot weather if flies are bad.