Bruising costs the Australian beef cattle industry an estimated $20 million yearly. Extensive research in New South Wales and Queensland has shown that the single major cause of bruising is the presence of horns on cattle.
Dehorning is a short-term solution to the problem. In the long term, it is recommended that bruising and injury be reduced by breeding poll cattle.
Producers considering Cattlecare accreditation are required to dehorn all calves.
Compared with hornless stock, horned cattle:
can cause more severe injury to other cattle, especially in yards, feedlots and transport;
can damage hides and cause bruising which reduces the value of carcases;
are harder to handle in yards and crushes;
can be potentially more dangerous to handlers;
require more space at a feed trough and on cattle trucks;
are not as tractable and quiet to handle;
may suffer discounts at sale especially if they are destined for feedlots.