59 



Amputation may be performed by the saw alone, but the use of the knife 

 at the first and last points of the operation causes less pain to the animal and 

 leaves a cleaner cut surface. 



The best time to operate is in the spring, fall, or winter. When a large 

 number of cattle are dehorned at one time they should not be kept crowded in 

 the same stable. 



Although our experience with dehorning is insufficient to warrant us in 

 recommending the practice on any extensive scale, the results of these experiments 

 must be considered as favorable to the operation when performed on suitable 

 subjects. 



The conclusions arrived at may be thus formulated : 



(1) The operation requires some care, but is not difficult or dangerous. 



(2) The wounds heal favorably as a rule, although in exceptional cases and 

 when the operation is improperly performed, continued suppuration and chronic 

 inflammation may ensue and seriously interfere with the health of the animal. 



(3) In cases that progress normally, from three to four months may be given 

 as the time which elapses before complete healing occurs. 



(4) When amputated at the proper place the horns do not return. 



(5) The constitutional disturbance is not severe, and is manifested by a slight 

 and temporary rise of temperature, with probably, in most cases, a slight decline 

 in weight and milk secretion, lasting over the first week or so. 



(6) The quality of the milk is not injuriously affected. 



(7) The operation must be considered painful, but there is no evidence that 

 the pain is excessive after the operation is over. 



On calves we conclude that — - 



(1) The operation is less painful than in adults. 



(2) When removed as above directed the horns do not return. 



(3) There is little constitutional disturbance manifested. 



(4) When the animal is healthy the wounds heal favorably in about six 

 weeks or two months. 



Chemical Compounds for Preventing the Growth of Horns on Cattle. 



In the eighth annual report of the Agricultural Experimental Station of the 

 University of Wisconsin, for the year ending June 30, 1891, the following article, 

 on the Removal of Horns by Chemical Compounds, is contributed by Leslie H. 

 Adams, Farm Superintendent. 



The chemical compounds prepared by Mr. John March of Shullsburg, Wis. 

 and by Messrs. Lewis & Bennett of Bloomington, Wis., have been tried at the 

 Station with satisfactory results. They were tried on a number of calves at 

 different ages during the fall of 1889, with a view to obtaining definite knowledge 

 as to the manner and proper age of application. It was found in a majority of 

 instances that the best results were reached when the compound was applied 

 as soon as it was possible to locate the little horn button on the calf's head, which 

 usually can be done when it is but three or four days old. From our experi- 

 ence it would seem that the dehorning compound should be fresh, and the 



