# Evaluating Policresulen for Disbudding Dairy Calves: A Two-Part Study on Calf Welfare and Consumer Perceptions

## TL;DR

This study compares a new drug-based disbudding method with the traditional hot iron technique for dairy calves, finding it less painful but with partial horn regrowth and differing consumer perceptions.

## Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates policresulen as a less invasive disbudding method, revealing its moderate pain relief and consumer acceptance despite horn regrowth.

## Key findings

- Policresulen reduced pain-related behaviors and accelerated horn bud regression in calves compared to hot iron disbudding.
- Partial horn regrowth occurred in 75% of calves treated with policresulen after 12 months.
- Non-farming consumers preferred and were willing to pay more for the policresulen method due to perceived animal welfare benefits.

## Abstract

In this study, two methods of disbudding dairy calves were compared: the traditional hot iron technique and a novel approach using the drug policresulen. Policresulen, an acid compound derived from formaldehyde and used in veterinary medicine for wound healing, was effective in inhibiting horn bud growth during the rearing phase and provided moderate pain relief. However, partial regrowth of horns was observed during the heifer phase, with regrowth reaching about a third of the size of horns of non-dehorned calves. A consumer perception survey showed that people without farming experience considered the policresulen method to be less invasive and less labor intensive than conventional technique, with hot iron. Consumers were also willing to pay a premium for dairy products from farms using the medical disbudding method.

Disbudding is a common practice on dairy farms, with the hot iron method (HID) widely used, though it causes considerable pain if no analgesia is provided. This study included two experiments. In Experiment 1, an alternative method using policresulen (POD) was evaluated in 24 Holstein calves randomly assigned to either POD or HID at 21 ± 2 days of age. Calves in the POD group received 0.2 mL of 36% policresulen per horn bud, while those in the HID group were fully cauterized. The cornual nerve was blocked with 5 mL of 2% lidocaine in both treatments, and all calves received meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg body weight) for three days post-procedure. Calves treated with POD exhibited fewer pain-related behaviors, such as scratching the horn buds, rubbing against objects, and head shaking, and showed faster horn bud regression. However, 12-month observations revealed that 9 of 12 POD-treated calves showed horn regrowth, indicating limited long-term effectiveness. Experiment 2 assessed consumer perceptions through a questionnaire and video with 236 participants. Participants with farming experience were more familiar with disbudding and preferred HID. In contrast, individuals with less agricultural contact demonstrated a greater willingness to pay for products from farms implementing animal welfare practices, with 76% favoring POD. Overall, participants experienced in agribusiness prioritized technical knowledge and practicality, while others valued animal welfare and were willing to pay higher prices for welfare-friendly practices.