Abstract

The effects of castrating and surgically dehorning male Drysdale and Tukidale lambs at birth or docking on subsequent horn growth were investigated in 3 lamb crops at Whatawhata Hill Country Research Station. Castration was more effective than dehorning in reducing subsequent horn growth. A combination of castration at birth and dehorning at docking was the most effective way to treat lambs to reduce horn growth. Excision of germative tissue around the base of the horn following dehorning increased the effectiveness of dehorning. Attainment of meat inspection standards for horned breeds is more dependent on the "trimmers" on the slaughter chain than the time of dehorning.

JN, Clarke, KD Atkins, KG Geenty, DL Johnson, SM Hickey, and JA Wilson

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 42, , 133-136, 1982