By Umar Nsubuga
Muhammad Kiyemba, a veterinary doctor also a farmer says cattle farmer should not just de-horn their cows simply because they have to or think it is modern.
He says you have to look at the horns of your cow and decide whether you need them or not.
He says naturally, horns are meant for the animal to attack and defend itself. That is why they are located on the head and are strong enough for the animal to inflict sufficient damage on its enemy.
There are additional man-made uses. For example, among working oxen, the horns help harness and keep the yoke in place.
Kiyemba says horns also add to the beauty of the cattle. In fact, the sight of the long-horned ankole cattle can be marketed as a tourist attraction. Many people admire them.
“Before you decide whether or not to de-horn, think carefully about what you stand to gain or lose if your cattle had no horns,” he explains.
Kiyemba advises farmers to de-horn If the animal is aggressive and dangerous to human beings and fellow cattles.
He, however, states that de-horning only reduces the risk and does not make an aggressive animal harmless.
“Another possible reason for de-horning is when an animal gets a serious injury on the horn. Also, if the horns are abnormally shaped, you would rather do without them. There are cattle whose horns grow downwards and then curve inwards, this hurts its jaws. Such horns should be removed,” he explains.
A farmer might de-horn if the horns are too long for the cattle to access facilities such as spray races.
“Generally, there are hardly any reasons to de-horn cattle on a beef ranch or under the traditional grazing systems. However, it is more commonly necessary in dairy farms,” says Kiyemba.
