Instructions
Chemical Method of Dehorning
Push back the hair that covers the horn bud on the 1-week-old calf.
Use a brush to apply caustic potash or caustic soda to the horn buttons.
Choose whether to have the hair fall back over the horn bud after applying the caustic, or clipping the hair back altogether. Some have found that the hair helps to keep the caustic in place, and prevents the caustic from irritating the flanks of the calf's nursing mother.
Avoid getting any of the caustic in the calf's eyes. Always wear gloves when applying the chemical. Wait for sunny days to apply the chemical on the calf as rain can wash the chemicals from the horn buds.
Hot Iron Method of Dehorning
Use a hot iron for dehorning when calves are up to 12 weeks old. Also use anesthesia in conjunction with the iron, especially on the older calves. Carefully check that the iron is working well before applying it to the calf. A unit that is too hot can cause brain damage in the calf.
Hold the hot iron against each horn bud for 10 to 15 seconds. A copper-colored ring will appear.
Observe the calf. After 4 to 6 weeks, the horn button will fall off.
Spoon or Tube of Dehorning
Make sure you use the proper sized tube for the horn for dehorning. There are four sizes available. The tube should fit over the horn bud, as well as 1/8 inch of skin around the base of the horn bud.
Place the cutting edge so that it is straight down over the horn bud.
Twist and push the tube until you cut through the skin, then cut under the horn button and remove it.
Apply an antiseptic to help prevent infection.
Barnes Method of Dehorning
Fit the knives over the horns of the calf or cow by closing the handles of the Barnes-type dehorners. You will want to remove a ring of skin at the same time as the horn.
Spread the handles apart as quickly as you can manage. This engages the knives which cut off the horn.
Make sure the blades are sharp before this procedure. Use anesthesia as well as make sure the calf is properly restrained.
Stop the bleeding by either using forceps to pull the artery, or a hot iron.
How to Dehorn a Bull
There are different methods from removing the horns, or dehorning, a bull-the simplest being using a polled (without horns) bull as the sire when breeding your cattle. When this is not an option, this eHow will allow you to make a choice as to what method to use to dehorn your bull.