Pain and stress reactions in neurohormonal, thermographic and behavioural studies in calves

Abstract

Dehorning of cattle is painful, but remains a commonly performed procedure in horned breeds as it reduces injuries from social contact and especially improves safety for stock-persons. Dehorned cattle also require less space during feeding or transport. To date a large proportion of cattle is disbudded or dehorned and in most cases without proper pain relief. Understanding and recognizing the signs and factors causing pain in farm animals is an area that has been continually developing.