Disbudding calves: How to reduce pain and stress?

Pain management in disbudding by cauterization (hot iron) in calves.

Disbudding in calves is a relatively routine practice, especially in dairy cattle farms. This is mainly because polled animals are easier to handle and dehorning decreases the risk of injury to both people and other animals. Although disbudding is justified, it is undeniably a painful practice during the procedure and the following days.

There is a legislative, ethical and social pressure that further justifies the need for disbudding in calves using practices that are respectful for the welfare of cattle. This section aims to facilitate and solve some of the limitations that currently exist in farms for disbudding with high standards in animal welfare.

Links of interest

https://www.applied-ethology.org/ https://www.awish-project.eu/ https://www.clearfarm.eu/ https://www.ecawbm.org/animal-welfare-science-ethics-and-law https://www.ecawbm.org/behavioural-medicine https://esvce.org/ https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/jeanne-marchig-centre...

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