Cattle Processing
Dehorning
If calves are born with horns, electrical or surgical dehorners should be used to prevent horn growth. Dehorning is recommended prior to 120 days of age. Cattle with horns can cause significant damage by bruising other. Bruises on the carcass from horns are trimmed resulting in lost carcass weight, devalued primal cuts and reduced carcass value.
Dehorning can be accomplished using several methods that depend on the age of the animal and the size of its horns:
- Caustic dehorning liquid or paste can be applied to the horn "button" of calves during the first few weeks, to stop horn growth. This method is used primarily on ranches where calves can easily be handled. It should not be used during periods of rainy weather.
Castration
Castration should occur shortly after birth or before four months of age. Castration prior to 120 days of age or when calves weigh less than 500 pounds is strongly recommended. Early castration will also reduce the stress impact on the animal.
The demand is limited for intact males (bulls) in both feedyard and stocker settings. Beef from bulls has been found to have a coarser texture, lower marbling score and more variable tenderness. Early castration will reduce the stress impact on the animal.
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Montana Beef Quality Assurance,
821 N. 27th St., PMB 159,
Billings, MT 59101,
406-896-9068(o), 406-671-0851(m)
cpeck@montana.edu
Montana Beef Network,
119 Linfield Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717,
406-994-4323,
mharbac@montana.edu