Ingrown horns
Do not transport livestock with ingrown horns
An animal with ingrown horns is not fit to transport. Transport will make the problem worse and cause unnecessary pain. It’s essential to manage the ingrown horns and allow any wounds to heal before transport. Properly managed horns can also reduce the risk of injury during handling and transport.
Ensuring the welfare of livestock in your care is both your legal and moral obligation. Producers play a vital role in preventing and managing potential welfare concerns. By implementing effective management strategies, you can safeguard the well-being of your livestock while avoiding legal repercussions.
Don’t comprise on animal welfare and risk legal repercussions, for the sake of convenience or potential profit. Good livestock husbandry is essential for the health of your animals and the integrity of your farm. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Local Land Services or veterinarian.
By being proactive and addressing issues early such as ingrown horns will help ensure good animal welfare outcomes and compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
What is an ingrown horn?
A horn is ingrown if it pierces, aggravates or causes abrasion to an animal’s head, leading to significant pain, blindness, infections and/or flystrike. Unmanaged horns that grow inward or close to the eyes can obstruct vision and interfere with normal eating, drinking and breeding.
Prevention is best practice
Manage horns that are not yet piercing the skin or eyes but are in contact with the face or growing in a direction that could result in injury. These should be tipped to prevent them from becoming ingrown or obstructing vision.
If a horn has penetrated the animal’s face or eyes, seek veterinary care immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to mitigate pain and prevent further complications.
Always adhere to the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines when performing husbandry procedures.
- Monitor horn growth regularly
- Perform husbandry procedures such as tipping or trimming
- Consider using polled breeds
- Seek veterinary advice as needed
When to tip horns?
- Growing in a direction that is likely to penetrate the head or eyes
- Touching the skin or eyes
- Obstructing vision
- Sharp and potentially hazardous
Horns will continue to grow and retrimming may be necessary. In cases of poor horn conformation, consider early slaughter.
Your obligations
Under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, anyone who owns, manages or handles livestock has a duty of care and is responsible for ensuring proper welfare standards, including routine horn management. Failure to manage or treat ingrown horns properly may result in severe penalties.