DEHORNING.
Dehorning is not considered a cruelty as some people hold it, as horns on cattle not only add discomfort to themselves but add to the owner’s risk. It is much better, safer and I think more humane to prevent the growth of horns on calves after they are three or four days old by rubbing the elevations where the horns make their appearance with a pencil of Caustic Potash after being moistened with cold water. Repeat this application two or three times, which is generally sufficient.
When dehorning cattle with clippers or saw, it is well to remove about one-half inch of the flesh with the horn. This gives their head a much better appearance after the horns are removed and wounds healed. When a horn is freshly amputated, apply Oil of Tar occasionally, as it is an antiseptic and prevents infection and the annoyance of flies. However, this should be performed during the season when the flies are less numerous.