Using appropriate dehorning or disbudding procedures and minimizing the associated pain are essential for a well-managed calf program. Developing protocols for calf care and pain management can ensure that everyone caring for calves follows the same procedures on farms. Several changes being implemented in the National Dairy FARM program in January 2017 address best practices for dehorning and protocols for pain management.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, July 1, 2016.
Guidelines from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) cover key considerations for the welfare of calves during the dehorning or disbudding process. These guidelines include age at which the procedure is done, proper restraint, use of appropriate methods, and pain control during and after the procedure.
INSIGHTS: Best practices seem govern most agricultural production methods today. While economics is always a driver, we must be able to defend methods against welfare issues. Guidelines and changes in protocols gives animal health professionals topics to proactively discuss with their customers.