GEDEMARK
DisBudding

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Disbudding is the most difficult and scary job a goat rancher has to do. All Dairy goats must be disbudded to be registered. Percentage boers going into the fairs as market goats must also be disbudded. So as responsible goat owners we must be able to disbud in a safe way causing no harm and the least amount of pain possible. I will review the steps I personally take in the disbudding process, Use this only as a general guide. Please have an experienced disbudder helping you the first time. At the first sign of problems, contact an experienced goat breeder or your Vet.

	Start with a health check, Never disbud a sick kid.
Shave head so you can see the horn bud this will also limit the burning hair. See note below**
	You will now see shiny spots(horn bud),and can feel the horn bud easily.
Place the kid in box to limit movement make sure the kid is tall enough for the box if not pad the box until kid is in the proper position.
	Place hot iron over bud move the iron with a twisting movement in a 10 count( I count fast ) burn. Lift iron and check - cool head. repeat until there is white ring around bud.
The white ring is visible now cool head .Please talk to kid and comfort him he is scared and hurts a bit too.
	Now repeat steps with the other horn bud.
Now spray with pain killing spray! Solercade or Americain spray is what we use.Do not spray until you are done sprays are flammable.
	He still loves me and is doing great. Time for a bottle.

Note: If at any time the kid stresses, I stop and check the kid . Then after I am sure he is ok and have comforted him we start again.

1. Never burn more than a count of ten at any time.
2. Cool between burns.
3. The nursing reflex is a good way to judge stress a stressed kid will not nurse.
4. The kid will be yelling but you must be calm.
5. Again Please on your first disbud have an experienced goat breeder with you helping.

Clipping note**On does that will be shown you should do this 2 days in advance so the clipping and burning are not associated together this will make show clips easier.

About the author:
Connie Wimmer raise Nubians, Alpines, & Percentage Boers in the high desert of California and can be reached via http://bouncinghoofs.com/.

Important
This information is provided as a service and made available by Idea Factory, Inc.. Neither Idea Factory, Inc. nor Bouncing Hoofs Ranch nor the author (Connie Wimmer) is responsible for any damage, injury, death, etc from the use, misuse, or accuracy of this information.