novaman":3da14rx6 said:
I know next to nothing about Herefords, never had one on the place. However, I would recommend going polled. I respect you Bez but horns are a pain, trust me I have Holsteins. If you can avoid introducing horns, DO. It is a big hassle removing horns not to mention the problems with flies, infection, etc etc. Contrary to what Bez says, I would argue that horns do cause problems when left intact. I have a couple Holsteins that for one reason or another have horns and they are constantly using them to hook herdmates. I've been introduced some polled bulls to my herd but it is next to impossible to remove all horn genes from a herd. Just my 2 cents.
15 minutes or less with a wood or hoof rasp and I can take those horns on any yearling and train / turn them down - one time shot and done for life - there will be no more hooking when they grow up - only time folks run into trouble is when they leave them alone - the horns naturally grow up and out.
Or I could do an even prettier job with weights - but most folks have lost that art as well.
I could give your entire up and coming Holstein herd the start of a classic Herf look in an afternoon. 8)
If the horns are no longer growing / slowed right down - it is a waste of time - cut them off.
Unless you have more than 100 - then it would take me a couple days - long ones but it could be done.
Problem with adults is solved - forever.
Hobby folks and small holders: Should cut them off - they are not as competent (no slur intended) - use lidocaine - about 8 - 10 cc's to a side and they will chew their cud while you do it - use a wire saw - then take out the veins with a hemostat - burn them and done - takes about the same amount of time as the file. Let the sinus close naturally - so we do it in cool or cold weather for fly protection. Properly done the animal will not feel a thing and not lose one days worth of growth.
Improperly done it is set back for about two weeks. About 30 pounds of gain - or more can be lost - far cheaper in the long run to do it right - which most will not do as they figure it too expensive. Short term gain for long term pain is what it comes to. Do the math.
But the tough guys figure what the hhell and do it anyways.
In fact I believe almost all hobby folks should have a veterinarian do it - too much trouble can be had if you are a newbie. Which is why I hate it when someone comes on and asks - can I use my SkilSaw to cut off Petunia's Horns. You would not treat your dog in this manner - why is it acceptable to do it to a cow? (I know - almost a hijack)
Just because it was once done with loppers does not mean we cannot change - makes us look better to the PETA and SPCA folks as well.
Anyways - Herfs look better in tradtional form - pointed heads make them look like white faced dunces.
Each to their own
Cheers and best to all
Bez+