If calves aren’t born poled it’s important for long term welfare of the herd horns are prevented from growing. From a welfare perspective it’s important calves as debudded with as little pain and stress as possible.

Calves can be done from a week of age up to about 6 weeks. I prefer about 3 weeks.

Sedate the calf with xylazine 20% at between 0.6 - 1ml deep in the muscle. Using an injector gun and slapshot with 1 inch needle is best. Paint each calf as they are injected.

I use oral meloxi care for long term pain relief as it lasts longer than injectable’s so improves recovery. Note if using this they need drenched almost as soon as they are sedated so to avoid aspiration.

To do this I tend to corner 2-3 calves at a time and sedate and drench them at the same time. This is a two person job.

Once sedated local anaesthetic needs to be given covering the nerves that go to the horn bud. This provides short term pain relief like at the dentist until the long term relief kicks in.

The nerve exits the skull via the hole behind the eye. The best place to give the nerve block is right in the V point of the hole nearest to the bud.

Use an injector gun with a short 1/4 inch needle. Two ml of lignocaine is sufficient if applied accurately. If unsure give 2ml deeper and 2ml just subcutaneously.

Now check and remove any extra teats to allow the local time to work.

You need a HOT burner that is kept clean with a wire brush.

You must burn right through the skin all the way around the bud. Otherwise it will regrow.

I prefer the express debudder as it’s thin and seems to almost “cut” and burn at the same time.

You can find the bud by parting the hair around it. If inexperienced clipping is a good idea.

Fit the burner over the bud and firstly “rock” it around the entire circumference. Then twist to ensure the skin is broken right around.

Apply iodine or disinfectant.

Calves can be tagged and any injections easily be given while they are sedated.