DEHORNING CATTLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1926, Page 4

DEHORNING CATTLE.

DOES IT CO ATT.SEN HEADS? A DOUBTFUL QUESTION. WELLINGTON, March If AVhilst there are conflicting opinions as to whether or not the dehorning of cattle tends to make lor a coarser head in an animal’s progeny, the undisputed fact tlurt horn marks seriously damage a large number of ox hides annually ts considered in many quarters to he ample justification for making it compulsory to dehorn all cattle, with the exception of pedigree stock. Front the trend of discussion at various meetings of dairy farmers it may he safely stated that cattle breeders are practically, unanimous in the opinion that all farm cattle should be. dehorned. There is, however, quite it number who go lurther and maintain that all cattle, including pedigree animals, should be treated in this manner. WHY EXCLUDE PEDIGREE STOCK t

Recently at a meeting of the Dairy Farmers’ Union at Palmerston North it was stated by at least one sponsor that the dehorning of cattle, or the training of the horns in ally way. had the effect of producing a coarser near! in the particular animal's progeny. Ibis farmer, who represented Levitt on the union, was convinced that his experience as a cattle breeder laid always borne out his contention, and therolore he was entirely opposed to the inclusion* of pedigree stock in any measure for the compulsory dehorning of cattle. With this opinion several _ other representatives differed, they being ot the belief that dehorning had absolutely no effect upon coarseness or otherwise of an anitna'Ps head. Ui their es’rimation all cattle, including pedigree animals, should be dehorned, lor this made for easier handling in the matter of trucking and penning generally. Little, however, was said about the damage done to hides by horns, this point apparently being lost sight of for the moment. It is. nevertheless, probably the most important reason in favour of dehorning, and one that nißrht even he taken into consideration by "those who tire entirely opposed to treating pedigree stock on the lines of other animals. Tn discussing the matter, with Dr C J Reakes, Director-General of Agriculture, a representative of “The Dominion"’ was informed that the Department views the exception taken

to the dehorning of pedigree stock as one rather of appearance than of any effect upon an animal’s progeny I it were not that show animals looked better, and. as he- put- it. “more complete” with horns, there would probably ho a decided majority of fanners in favour of dehorning all cattle without exception. DAAIAGE TO HIDES. Dr Reakes agreed that much damage was done to hides by horn scratch ings, and mentioned that, at the Exhibition in Dunedin there are two hides showing blemishes caused hv horn marks. This is undoubtedly a serious matter for the farmers; Reference was made to the damage done to hides by the ''brands being placed on the rump instead of on some less valuable part of the hide. AYith this damage occusioitdc by careless branding is associated with blemishes caused by horn marks, and together these two evils are responsible for the loss to the farmers of New Zealand of from t]50.000 to £200.000 annually. The New Zealand Tanners’ Association realise it. is is imperative that action should he taken to ensure a plentiful sapiilv of unblemished hides to meet all requirements. It is neither profitable to the Dominion nor desirable from the tanners’ point ol view that hides should he imported from Ireland. Switzerland. France and Italy, hut this has become essential on account of tly shortage of perfect hides in this country, ft lias been stated that the tanning industry m New Zealand is feeling the effect ot (uni potit ion in {rather from hmilnm i 11,,! the United States of America, without having local hides spoiled uitlr blemishcs by lire brands and horn marks. It was mentioned that the New /.calami Tanners’ Association was making i, vtreuuous endeavour to have legislation enacted to make it compulsory to apply tv firebrand only In the neck or shoulder. The association is •' anxious that dehorning should he made obligatory, and it proposes to make an effort to have the lollouing clauses inserted in the Stock Act: “That it shall he compulsory on and alter a. date to he decided on. that all fill von horn, if not registered pedigree cattle, shall ho dehorned. '

Golds vanish in double-quick time when “ Ntvcol ” comes cm the scene. CO doses Is fid. Chemists and stores.—Advt.