The cow and her horns A literature review on the implications of current practices of cow dehorning in Europe

Abstract

Dehorning is common practice in Europe. 81% of the dairy, 47% of the beef and 68% of the suckler cows are disbudded or dehorned. Disbudding is the removal of the horn bud of calves at an age of up to two to three months. Dehorning describes the removal of the horns which is carried out in older animals, after the age of two months. The reason for the dehorning of cows is to reduce the risk of injury to handlers and herd mates. Regardless of the method, disbudding and dehorning are painful and stressful procedures. Less than 30% of farms in Europe performing disbudding uses some form of medication before or after the procedure, and less than 44% uses any form of pain-medication at dehorning. The aim of this study was to answer the following question: What are the implications of the current practice of dehorning in cattle farms in Europe? In order to answer this question a literature review has been conducted. Additionally, two farmers have been interviewed. These interviews are of an exploratory nature. In the study it was found that the original functions of the horns for the cow include defence of themselves and their offspring, determining of dominance relationships within the herd and for self-grooming. There is furthermore a hypothesis that the cow horn plays a role in thermoregulation, by nasal heat exchange. Moreover, biodynamic farmers express the conviction of a role for the horn in digestion. This has been, however, poorly investigated. In current dairy systems the function of determining dominance relationships, self-grooming and the possible functions of thermoregulation and digestion are still relevant functions. The others are less relevant. The results of the interviews indicate pathways for future research. An alternative for dehorning cattle is, among others, adjusting the stable to a horned herd. EU requirements on animal welfare state that unnecessary pain should be prevented. There can be stated that this minimum European requirement is generally not met when it comes to dehorning. Dehorning is often considered as an act which contributes to the welfare of the animal, however, there are indications that dehorning might be disadvantageous for the cow. In order to answer the question, whether the benefits of the mutilation procedure of dehorning outweighs the drawbacks of it, more research is needed on the injuries caused by the horns, the emotional and physical pain the cow experiences during and after dehorning, as the possibilities to adjust the farm system to the animal instead of the animal to the farm system.