Effects of castrating and surgically dehorning male Drysdale and Tukidale lambs on the efficacy of mechanical head skinning

R.M.W. Sumner and G.R. Longdill

Whatawhata Hill Country Station, Hamilton and Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand, Hamilton

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1982, 42: 141-144

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.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;