Polled

Polled is the past participle of poll and functions as an adjective in several senses. In surveying and public opinion research, polled describes persons or data obtained by a poll. A polled sample or polled voters are those who were asked questions and whose responses recorded. The term stresses the data-collection method rather than the substance of opinions.

In animal husbandry, polled indicates hornlessness. A polled animal lacks horns, either because horns never developed (genetic hornlessness) or because horns have been removed. The term commonly appears with cattle and sheep, and is used to distinguish from horned individuals. Breeding programs sometimes select for the polled trait to reduce injuries and eliminate the need for dehorning.

Etymology and usage note: Polled derives from poll, with historical senses related to head counting and surveying. The word is distinct from dehorned, though dehorning can produce a polled appearance; context is needed to avoid confusion between polling data and horn status.