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Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Authors

J. Shilkin

Keywords

Calves, Infection control, Animal welfare, Cattle, Dehorning.

First Page Number

203

Last Page Number

210

ISSN

0021-8618

Abstract

Horns on domesticated cattle serve no useful purpose and are responsible for losses which, in the aggregate, amount to many thousands of pounds every year. Horn-caused bruises lead to reduced prices for beef carcasses, and many cases of mastitis in dairy herds have their origin in udder injuries resulting from horn-prods. In addition, the fear inspired by horned "boss cows" leads to lowered milk production from their more timid herd-mates, while the possession of horns adds to the risks of handling the herd bulls.

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