Best-practice recommendations for disbudding dairy goat kids

Authors

  • M. N. Hempstead Animal Behaviour and Welfare, AgResearch Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand; School of Science, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
  • J. R. Waas School of Science, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
  • M. Stewart Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Policy, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington, New Zealand
  • M. A. Sutherland School of Science, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
  • J. L. Fowler Telemedicine Services, Idexx Laboratories, Westbrook, ME 04092
  • P. J. Plummer Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20197135

Keywords:

welfare, cautery iron, goat kid, brain injury, disbudding alternative

Abstract

Cautery disbudding is a routine painful husbandry practice carried out on young goat kids using a hot cautery iron to destroy the horn buds and prevent horn growth. The objective of this review is to evaluate scientific literature on cautery disbudding of goat kids and discuss variation in practice including training, kid-related factors (e.g., age, sex), iron-related factors (e.g., temperature, application time), and pain mitigation in order to provide best-practice recommendations for cautery disbudding dairy goat kids. Goat kid-specific training is required to improve consistency across operators and reduce any harmful effects associated with cautery disbudding. The best age to disbud doe kids is approximately a week of age, but buck kids may be disbudded earlier (3 to 5 days). Cautery irons can range in temperature depending on power-source, age and brand, all of which should be taken into consideration when deciding on application time. Not more than 15 sec should be used, and ideal application time of the iron may be between 5 and 7 sec to cauterize and remove the horn bud. Removing the horn bud improves efficacy in preventing scurs. Isoflurane or dexmedetomidine and meloxicam can reduce pain associated with cautery disbudding, whereas lidocaine may not. Goat kid-focused best-practice recommendations for cautery disbudding can improve goat welfare.

Author Biography

M. N. Hempstead, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, AgResearch Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand; School of Science, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand

Currently located at Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011

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Published

2019-09-12

Issue

Section

AASRP Small Ruminants Sessions

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