Calf dehorning crate

irishguy19772

Need to get a new dehorning crate. Any recommendations?

Can I get one for tams 3?

Narrowed it down to 2

Condon crate 725euro

https://www.farmanddairyspares.ie/product/condon-calf-dehorning-crate/

Condon deluxe crate 920 euro

https://www.thedandys.ie/product/calf-de-horning-cratebox---condons

ABitofsense

I've condon delux. Serious job for strong LM suckler calves. Neighbor bought one after he saw mine. Only annoying thing is the rope for the head, I've tried few different ways & straps but still cant get it right.

Dunedin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120408294#Comment_120408294

What are they like in young calves? I do mine from 3 days old.

ABitofsense

Be too small I think. I've a small twin heifer be around 45-50kgs now but she was lost inside it. Luckily she hadn't any (yet) but her twice as big bull twin had. Mine get done at 3ish weeks old.

148multi

Iae

Screenshot_20230327-214922_Chrome.jpg

50HX

+1 on the condon deluxe

One man job plus belly support is a great addition

irishguy19772

Thanks. Usually do calves around 2 weeks so wonder would the deluxe be too small. Can't see the IAE stocked in Ireland

Anto_Meath

I have been using this dehorning paste for the last few years and find it very good, no hassle for man or beast.

Do calves at about a week old & keep them away from the cow for about half an hour and you are flying.

https://images.app.goo.gl/NRFnKZ7814ForZ7U6

Donald Trump

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120409038#Comment_120409038

What are the disadvantages of using that? The likes of Teagasc say that that method is not recommended but doesn't say why. Possible injury to the animal or ineffectiveness?

Anto_Meath

I found the first year I used it, I had a few with a horn on 1 side (nearly all on the left), I put it down to me not getting the paste right on that side of the head as it was away from me. So I take a bit more time and do it slowly to ensure I have it correctly on the horn bud. You have to do it on calves when they are young less than 2 weeks, if they are any older it wouldn't work. (I do still need the de-horner for any bucked fed calves I buy with horns using the gas burner).

The only injuries I can see happening with animals is putting the paste on where there is no horn and burning the calf or letting the calf back to the cow to quickly & her licking it off and burning herself or him rubbing his head on her elder with paste on it and burning her elder, but these things can all be prevented once you take your time and do it right.

I know it can be hard to feel the bud on a LM calf at two weeks but cut the hair tight you will find a little bit. It is far easier to restrain a LM calf at under 2 weeks than it is when they they get older. I also think forcing a calf into a cage to de-horn at 3 weeks can make them nervous, whereas with the paste there is a more gentle handling of the animals.

50HX

I use the paste as well, this is where the deluxe crate is a great job

Calf is fully restrained& supported(belly paddle)

Trim the hair right down with a mini trimmers, dab on paste

I leave the calf in the crate for min 30mins whilst doing other jobs, no fear of cow licking it or calf rubbing head off something reducing paste effectiveness

One point on the deluxe crate is the rope to tie the nose in place is not a great design, there was a post on a similar thread of someone using a safety belt strap

148multi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120408950#Comment_120408950

O'Donavans are agents for aie, there's one in the north too