dehorning

Dehorning is the process of removing or preventing the growth of horns in livestock, most commonly cattle, goats, and sheep. Horns are extensions of skull bone covered by keratin; dehorning reduces the risk of injuries to other animals and to handlers, and can simplify housing and handling. The term disbudding is often used for the preventive removal of horn buds in young animals, while dehorning refers to removing horns in older animals or after horn buds have formed.

Techniques vary by species and age. In calves, disbudding or cautery disbudding uses a heated instrument or caustic paste to destroy horn-forming tissue in the horn buds, ideally done early and with pain relief. In older animals, surgical dehorning may involve removing horns with specialized equipment such as knives, gouges, or bone snares, typically under local anesthesia and analgesia. Bleeding is managed as part of the procedure, and antibiotics may be used in some cases. Chemical methods, including caustic pastes, may be employed to inhibit horn growth but are less commonly used in adults due to discomfort and slower outcomes.

Pain management and welfare are central considerations. Analgesia, such as local nerve blocks and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is recommended or required in many regions. Proper timing, sterile technique, and aftercare help minimize complications such as infection, delayed healing, or sinus injury.

Alternatives include breeding for polled (hornless) genetics and using protective handling practices to reduce injury when horns are present. The practice is subject to animal-welfare standards and veterinary oversight in many jurisdictions.