Dehorner: For Clean and Quick Disbudding of Young Calves

Dehorner: Technology for a Short Procedure

Disbudding is a procedure on the calf and needs proper preparation. The younger the animal, the smaller the horn bud and the shorter the treatment. A dehorner brings the necessary heat reliably to the spot, so that the bud is destroyed in seconds. Which time limits and which form of anaesthesia are required is something to settle with your vet beforehand.

Battery, gas and hot air

The Buddex battery dehorner for calves works without a cable and without a flame and is designed for short contact times. The GasBuddex comes with a 15 mm or 20 mm head, so you can match the size to the age of the calf, and it runs off a cartridge independently of a socket. The AirBuddex hot air dehorner arrives in a metal case and creates the heat with hot air rather than an open flame. For mains use there is the dehorner with a 24V/250W transformer as well as a 230 V soldering iron with a burner tip. Where the horn has already formed, the Liess wire saw with its 12 m length comes into play, and its use belongs in the hands of your vet.

Burner tips and accessories

The burner tip is the wearing part that matters most. Replacements come in 15 mm and 18 mm, to match the size of the horn bud. A worn or scaled tip transfers heat less well, the treatment then takes longer than it needs to and the result turns out uneven. So check it before every round and change it in good time. For the GasBuddex it is worth keeping a spare cartridge ready, so that an empty one does not stop the job. Work on a dry spot with no loose straw within reach, hold the calf securely and let the device cool down under control afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

At what age are calves disbudded?
The first weeks of life are usual, while the horn bud is small and still movable. The exact age limit, the requirement for anaesthesia and the pain relief are set by the animal welfare law in your own country. Agree the procedure with your vet beforehand.

Battery, gas or hot air, which suits me?
The battery dehorner is handy for a run of calves one after another, because no cable gets in the way. Gas units are independent and heat up again quickly. Hot air works without an open flame, which is an advantage in strawy buildings.

How long does a burner tip last?
That depends on how often it is used and at what temperature. As long as the tip is bright and keeps its shape, it works cleanly. Once it shows scale, ridging or an uneven edge, it is time for a change.