Download Dehorning Protocol Template

DEHORNING PROTOCOL
DAIRY NAME: ___________
DATE: ___________
PREPARED BY:___________
For the safety of our animals and the people who work with them, we disbud calves on our dairy. We will
use the following protocol to manage these animals humanely and without compromising safety for staff or
cows.
Overview



All calves will be disbudded using __(electrocautery, caustic paste)___ method before the age of
___(weeks old)____
o Recommended that all calves are disbudded before 8 weeks of age if electrocautery is used;
by 3 days of age if caustic paste is used
All animals will receive ___ (local anesthetic)___ at the time of dehorning, and ___(post-procedure
pain control)____ to minimize distress
All individuals performing dehorning procedures will be trained and proficient in all techniques
The following individuals are trained and authorized to dehorn calves on this dairy:
1.
2.
3.
Procedure





A __(tool)__ will be used as the primary mechanism of
dehorning
The calf will be restrained using ______ and ______ (ex
halter and calf cart)
(for cautery) The operator will anesthetize the cornual nerve
using __(ml)__ of __(local anesthetic drug)__ injected at the
locations pictured
(depending on method) The operator will then use
_____(method)___ applied to __(location)__ for __(amount
of time)__
o Describe procedure in more detail. Include pictures if needed.
Following the procedure, the operator will administer _(amount)_ of _(pain medication such as
banamine, meloxicam)____ (route of administration)___ for pain control
Meat withdrawal periods
__(drug)___ has a meat withhold of ___(Days)__
Record-keeping
Cow ID, drugs administered, amount, route of administration, date and operator initials, will be recorded in
__(computer, clipboard, etc)__ by ________.