How to Cut Cattle Tails

The docking of tails is common among certain dog breeds and sheep. The practice is growing among cattle owners as well. While many countries have banned it, some owners still follow this practice. All arguments aside, if you are going to dock a cow tail, perform it in a safe and humane way. The docking of cow tails can lead to infection and other serious complications. The removal of tails from cattle is similar to the removal of tails from sheep and the same methods are practiced.

Things You'll Need

  • Black sharpie marker
  • Emasculator
  • Tetanus anti-toxin
  • Syringe
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Instructions

    • 1

      Immobilize the cow to protect yourself from injury and hold the cow still while you perform the procedure. A milking stall will work well for this task.

    • 2

      Lift the tail up from the vertical position and mark the tail at the length you desire to leave on the animal. If the cow is a light color, a sharpie should suffice for marking the tail but if the cow is dark haired, you may need to shave the hair at the desired length. Do not dock the tail any shorter than that required to cover the anus and vulva, to prevent complications later in life.

    • 3

      Open the jaws of the emasculator and lightly close it down on the tail at the distance you are going to remove. One method of castration occurs using an emasculator, but an emasculator also finds use in docking tails. It crushes the tail above the blade and seals off the blood vessels.

    • 4

      Sever the tail using the emasculator at the mark on the tail. After you cut the tail, allow the tool to remain in place for at least 30 seconds to prevent bleeding.

    • 5

      Vaccinate the cow with tetanus anti-toxin to prevent the development of tetanus. You should turn the cow to a clean grass pasture to prevent infection of the wound.