Observations on the effect of electro-immobilisation on the dehorning of cattle

A group of cattle was dehorned while restrained with an electro-immobiliser. The level of stress was evaluated by measuring serum cortisol and comparisons made with alternative handling methods. Serum cortisol levels rose significantly in groups that were dehorned compared with non-dehorned controls, but no significant difference was noted between groups dehorned using local anaesthesia, electro-immobilisation, or no pre-treatment. The degree of haemorrhage resulting from dehorning was not significantly different between the groups. It was concluded that the immobiliser may be painful on application and should not be relied upon to produce analgesia.