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DISBUDDING

Ultra-Scan specialises in efficient and humane disbudding for both calves and goat kids. Our MPI-approved system ensures a seamless process, saving you time, energy, and manpower during one of the busiest times of the year. Using local anesthesia and LPG gas burners, our certified technicians dehorn young animals safely and comfortably, adhering to the highest standards of care. Our technicians receive annual certification from vets through VOI (Veterinary Operating Instruction), guaranteeing adherence to top care standards. As part of our commitment to animal welfare, we offer free dehorning for calves under the IHC Calf Scheme.

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CALF DISBUDDING

Ultra-Scan provides expert calf disbudding, designed to prioritise efficiency, hygiene, and animal welfare. We use local anesthesia and LPG gas burners to dehorn calves between four days and 10 weeks of age, ensuring their safety and comfort in our purpose-built calf crates.

KID DISBUDDING

Goat kid disbudding using the same technology and systems as used for calf disbudding is an additional service offered through Ultra-Scan King Country. Hygienic and efficient, saving you time and energy during a busy time of the year.

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BENEFITS OF DISBUDDING WITH ULTRA-SCAN

  • Hygienic System with calves disbudded above any source of potential infection from the ground.

  • Local anaesthesia used to lower the stress on the animals.

  • The disbudding wound is treated with antibiotic spray to avoid infection.

  • All equipment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between farms.

  • Ultra-Scan bring all the required equipment including double-headed crates and gas burners.

  • Ultra-Scan operate two-person teams, avoiding the need for the farm to supply any labour.

  • Multiple visits, we can come as often as you need.

  • IHC Charity Calves are disbudded free of charge, we support your community and chosen charity.

POST DISBUDDING
CONSIDERATIONS

  • Keep your calves dry for at least 24 hours

  • Regularly check the burn area during feed times

  • Irritation will occur due to the discomfort experienced after the local anaesthesia wears off, so check the pens and enclosures for sharp objects, protruding wire, nails, tin edges, etc.

  • If prolonged bleeding occurs, apply pressure for five minutes or phone your Ultra-Scan technician to re-cauterise the wound

  • Allergic reaction can occur to the local anaesthesia, so if any unexpected conditions occur contact your Ultra-Scan technician and your vet.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL HEALING

  • Disbudding should be performed on a dry but not excessively hot day as rain and flies can introduce infection to the wound.

  • The use of Tetravet spray works well in reducing the risk of infection.

  • Keep calves in a clean environment (dry bedding, use of housing sanitisers) as the cauterised burn site is a sterile wound; calves can contract an infection from the environment.

  • Maintain the same rearing routine at all times.

 

Note: Healing times for calves vary as each calf is unique, with some requiring more time to heal than others.

 

IF INFECTION OCCURS

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  • Remove the scab and clean the wound immediately with antiseptic solution (i.e. Dettol; contains chloroxylenol).

  • Then treat with topical antibiotic spray (Tetravet).

  • If an infection (including swollen, painful area around the wound) occurs in a number of calves and / or if the animals appears depressed with loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian for advice.

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