DEHORNING CATTLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3031, 4 May 1926, Page 3

DEHORNING CATTLE.

An instructive discussion on the subject of dehorning cattle took place at Saturday’s meeting of the Manawatu Provincial executive meeting of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union.

Mr. B. G. Gower stated that with regard to the remit which was going forward to the Provincial Conference regarding the dehorning of cattle, it was his opinion that the age limit should be raised from 12 months to two years. He said that it was possible to dehorn cattle up to any age without doing them any injury. In fact it had been said by dairy farmers that dehorning dairy cows was productive of the best results. After a couple of days they actually gave more milk than ever before. This was due to the animals being more contented, as they were not continually disturbed by being horned. Other members agreed with Mr. Gower.

Mr. Lynch said that it was pretty well agreed that dehorning was advisable. He had been present at the Dominion Conference last year when they'had been shown leather made from hides|injuredlby\horning. Tt: was pointed out by the demonstrator that it was not possible to pick out the defects when the hides were green, but after the hide was tanned the defect appeared, and the piece of leather had to he cut out.

Delegates to the Provincial Conference were instructed to advocate the two years age limit.