| The Expert Committee on Farm Animal Welfare and Behaviour (ECFAWB) has endorsed the use of polled cattle as a means of dehorning, except in the dairy industry where the population of quality-polled genetics is limited. When dehorning is necessary the ECFAWB, "having reviewed present research, supports the recommendation that a combination of (1) a sedative, (2) a local anesthetic and (3) a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory be used under the guidance of a veterinarian."
The debate on dehorning largely centers on the issue of pain. Studies of the pain response in calves to dehorning indicate that there is significant pain felt for several hours post dehorning. In adult animals the procedure is painful enough to affect weight gain for up to 106 days post dehorning.
Individual differences in quality do occur, whether polled or horned, but the polled state is not related to productivity. |
Research involving Herefords, Charolais, Simmental, Limousin and crossbred lines have consistently shown that polled beef cattle are equal to horned counterparts with regard to productivity related characteristics. Individual differences in quality do occur, whether polled or horned, but the polled state is not related to productivity.
Some polled cattle producers are gaining markets in Europe for their superior polled genes according to Dr. Joseph Stookey, Professor at Western College of Veterinary Medicine. As the polled gene is dominant to the horned gene, the removal of horns via genetic selection is relatively easy. However, cattle can still carry the genes for scurs, which are inherited independently from horns. Scurs are horn-like protrusions that can vary in size from small nubs to almost the size of horns.
In dairy cattle, horned animals make up 99% of the Holstein population according to Peter Blodgett, of AltaGenetics, a global livestock genetics company. Horned animals have been intensely selected for and therefore are superior in productivity to the polled population. However, it is not the polled state that reduces productivity and attempts are being made to improve the polled population. "AltaGenetics is testing polled genetics to be able to provide proven polled genetics to our customers," says Mr. Blodgett.
Frank A. Bouie, a dairy producer in Ohio is dedicated to the promotion and improvement of polled dairy cattle. He writes, "The resources and tools exist to develop polled Holsteins without making major sacrifices in production or type traits … it is important that we not just breed polled cattle but good polled cattle."
Joseph Stookey has been an advocate of dehorning via genetic selection. It concerns him that some beef producers have viewed the ECFAWB endorsement with suspicion. "Our motive is to help the beef industries … to promote animal welfare and maintain a healthy welfare friendly livestock industry in the eyes of the public and for our animals … we are not the enemies of the cattle industry. I want [producers ] to understand that they have choices and they can have superior cattle that are also polled."
Producers know they have a responsibility to be current in livestock management practices, based on the best science that is available. There is no doubt that dehorning causes significant pain, so mitigative measures should be used to eliminate or reduce that pain.
Polled genetics offer one option. Alternatively, dehorning should be done at an early age with appropriate pain suppressants. It is unacceptable to leave horns on cattle destined for the feedlot.
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