Comparison of online, hands-on, and a combined approach for teaching cautery disbudding technique, including administration of a cornual nerve block, to dairy producers

Abstract

The use of pain control for disbudding and dehorning is important from both an animal- and industry-centered perspective. Best practices include the use of local anesthetic, commonly given as a cornual nerve block, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Approximately 40% of Canadian dairy producers do not use local anesthesia, perhaps in part due to lack of knowledge regarding cornual nerve block technique. Although this skill is typically learned in person from a veterinarian, alternative or adjunct methods may be useful for hard to reach producers. The objective of this trial was to determine if there were differences in the efficacy of online training, hands-on training, and a combined approach for teaching producers to successfully administer a cornual nerve block and disbud a calf less than 12 weeks of age.