At what age should cattle be dehorned at the latest?

The ideal age to dehorn cattle is at around 2 months of age, though procedures may vary based on management practices and animal welfare guidelines. Dehorning at this age is recommended because it is generally the least stressful for the animal, and younger cattle recover more quickly from the procedure compared to older animals. The younger the calf, the less developed the horn bud is, leading to less pain and a reduced risk of complications during and after the dehorning process.

Dehorning older cattle can result in increased stress, longer recovery times, and more significant complications due to the increased size and sensitivity of the horn structure. Therefore, waiting until an older age, such as 6 months or 1 year, would not align with best practices aimed at minimizing stress and promoting animal welfare. Additionally, delaying dehorning can lead to problems with management, safety, and potential injuries among cattle, as well as increased handling difficulties.