disbudded

Disbudding is the process of removing or destroying horn-producing tissue in young animals to prevent horn growth. Animals that have undergone the procedure are described as disbudded. The practice is common in cattle, goats, and sheep raised for dairy or meat, where horns can pose safety risks to handlers, other animals, and facilities.

Methods vary by species and age. Hot-iron disbudding uses a heated instrument to cauterize the horn bud tissue, while chemical cautery applies a caustic paste to destroy horn-forming cells. Surgical disbudding involves incision and removal of horn tissue, and electrocautery may be used as an alternative. Timing is generally when horn buds are small, typically within the first weeks of life for most livestock.

Rationale and welfare: Disbudding reduces injury risk and space requirements in farming operations but is painful. Many jurisdictions require pain management, and best practices include local anesthesia around the horn buds and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; appropriate restraint and trained personnel are essential. Post-procedure care should minimize infection and monitor for any horn regrowth.

Complications can include incomplete destruction of tissue leading to horn regrowth, infection, bleeding, or improper wound healing. The likelihood of regrowth is higher if tissue destruction is incomplete or performed later in life. Alternatives to disbudding include allowing natural horn growth with dehorning (removal of horns after growth) or selecting polled (hornless) genetics to avoid the need for the procedure.