dehorning too early?

[Jacob B]

  My daughter wants to show a calf this summer, and I have one that will be coming soon that will more than likely be horned.  How soon is too soon to surgically dehorn one?  I have only done calves after weaning in the past, but would like to do this one as soon as possible if my daughter is going to show it.  Just think it will look much better in the show ring if it is dehorned rather than not.  Thanks for the help.

 

[flacowman]

if they're born with buttons we slice them off as soon as we can convince mama to stand back and watch.  A sharp pocket knife or scalpel will work and it will hardly bleed at all (have a little blood stop powder handy though), in a month you won't be able to tell at all.

 

[peachy]

Try de-horning paste when they are a couple days old. I wouldn't do it after the first of May for fear of flies.

 

[ROMAX]

I use the paste on calves at about a week old,if done correctly they will look polled

 

[AAOK]

Electric Dehorner - use from 1 to 3 months of age.  The calves are fine within a few minutes, no blood, and the nubs will drop off in a couple of weeks.   

http://underbid.com/merchant/learningandeducation/product/760-2504412/BCI00201/Durvet_Ideal_Electric_Dehorner_-_043-2100.html?ref=base

 

[Jacob B]

I was curious about surgically dehorning.  The reason being, the cow is bred to a "polled" bull, but he has a big ugly square head that if he would have been horned he would have needed to be surgically done in order to shape the head.  I am wondering because I may need to do the same to the calf it it comes out with a similar shaped head.  I know how to get rid of horns, just wanting it to look good for a show calf for my daughter.  Hopfully I won't have to worry about it at all.  Just thinking about it today.

 

[sue]

Try de-horning paste when they are a couple days old. I wouldn't do it after the first of May for fear of flies.

Peachy you're so right.  Jacob b if you're scared call me I 'll do it for that little girl of yours. paste cost all of 8 bucks - I'll have a glass of wine or two while Im there so - just let me know if you get the horns when she is born. All you need is paste, two glasses of wine ( white if its warm outside) and a small pen away from mama but where she can still see baby.
I think some of the surgical dehorning makes most loook like a bucket headed ant eater. Sorry not a fan of that.

 

[MCC]

I don't know how soon you can cosmetic dehorn one but I know Dr. Mimms sometimes will take a polled calf that has an ugly looking poll and reshape it to make it look better. I don't know where you are located but if you are anywhere close to Hereford, Texas I'd call him and talk to him. He's one of the best at cosmetically dehorning one.