by Niko Baron, DVM
Disbudding a goat should be done when the kid is between 3 to 10 days old, depending on the breed and the growth rate of the horns. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Timing by Age:
– For most breeds including dwarfs, disbudding should be done at around 3 to 7 days old.
– For larger breeds like Nubians and Boers, it may be done as late as 10 days old.
– For smaller breeds like Nigerian Dwarfs, it should be done as early as 3 days old.
- Horn Bud Development:
– The best time to disbud is when the horn buds can be felt as small, distinct bumps but before they become too large or hard.
– Checking the horn buds daily can help determine the optimal time.
- Sex of the Kid:
– Buck kids often develop horn buds faster than doe kids, so they may need to be disbudded earlier.
- Disbudding Procedure:
– To ensure minimal suffering, and optimal pain management we utilize anesthesia and pain medications when we disbud goat kids.
– We carefully use a hot iron to eliminate the horn tissue growth. Goat kids have very thin skulls so the hot iron is only applied for 3-4 seconds.
– If you have any questions about risks, pain control or anything else regarding disbudding your goat kids, feel free to call us and ask to talk to one of the large animal veterinarians at (360)354-5095
- Aftercare:
– Provide appropriate aftercare, including pain management and monitoring for any signs of infection or complications.
Always prioritize the welfare of the animal and ensure you are using humane methods for disbudding. If in doubt, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to ensure the procedure is done correctly and safely.
