Choosing the best method of disbudding and pain prevention

Key messages • All methods of disbudding cause pain, so pain relief should be provided. • From 1 October, the MPI Animal Welfare Regulations state that local anaesthetic must be used when dehorning cattle of any age. • It is better to disbud calves rather than wait and amputate the horns. • Alternative disbudding methods that may cause less pain or tissue damage are currently being evaluated. • To eliminate the issue of disbudding it is worth considering using polled sires.