horns now what?

[spencer f.]

I have a bull calf that is out of habanero and a purebred maine cow. The calf has horns and I am going to sell him no matter what. I was just wondering if horns are a big deal on a bull to other maine breeders or if i should steer him and sell him that way.

 

[CPL]

I'd probably dehorn him.

 

[spencer f.]

we just burned his horns today and that was going to be the plan anyway because I am going to show him as a cow calf pair this summer at our county fair and no one wants to see them in the show ring

 

[CPL]

Oh so you were asking if the horn gene would make a difference on whether someone would want him as a herd bull? I thought you were talking about appearance? Going back it looks like I misunderstood you. Its really late though or I guess early. IMO a good bull is a good bull, but as with most times if you have to question your self as to whether he should keep his nuts he probably needs to be a steer.

 

[lowann]

Our vet strongly advises dehorning, even for feeder calves.  Show calves shouldn't have them, and feeder calves always sell higher without horns. We have one show calf that will be dehorned this Monday. I hate it, it's gruesome to watch, but necessary.Thank goodness we only have one this year with them!

 

[LN]

I'm a purebred/commercial breeder and I, personally wouldn't buy a horned bull.