Agri Vehicles Insurance from Greenlands

Author Topic: Scurs or horns?  (Read 2510 times)

LadyEarth

  • Joined Jun 2013
Scurs or horns?
« on: May 21, 2016, 09:15:44 pm »
I have a shorthorn calf who is now 9 months old. She has some small horns, about 2" long. I've only had polled calves before so I don't know if these are horns or scurs. Mum and dad are both polled but could be heterozygous...

Does anyone know how big horns would be at this age? Or have any useful tips for identifying what these are?

waterbuffalofarmer

  • Joined Apr 2014
  • Mid Wales
  • Owner of 61 Mediterranean water buffaloes
Re: Scurs or horns?
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2016, 10:23:41 pm »
its rather difficult to say, it could be a throwback a genetic fault for example. Could we have a pic to get a better idea of it plz?
the most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, loving concern.

Sbom

  • Joined Jul 2012
  • Staffordshire
Re: Scurs or horns?
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2016, 10:31:57 pm »
they will be horns  :) still small enough to be taken off if needed though

LadyEarth

  • Joined Jun 2013
Re: Scurs or horns?
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2016, 11:18:39 pm »
Will have a try and get a photo tomorrow. What makes you sure they are horns Sbom?

Sbom

  • Joined Jul 2012
  • Staffordshire
Re: Scurs or horns?
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2016, 10:04:28 am »
Because scurs develop when they are older as a result of bad dehorning. If they are even and straight they they are horns. Scurs tend to grow anyway but up!

LadyEarth

  • Joined Jun 2013
Re: Scurs or horns?
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2016, 10:47:18 am »
I understood that scurs were genetic...

Sbom

  • Joined Jul 2012
  • Staffordshire
Re: Scurs or horns?
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2016, 12:58:20 pm »
Cattle either have horns or they don't. 

shep53

  • Joined Jan 2011
  • Dumfries & Galloway
Re: Scurs or horns?
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2016, 08:51:25 pm »
Sounds like horns  , firmly attached to  head and pointy like a volcano  , scurs are mostly movable not firm and tend to be rounded

 

Forum sponsors

FibreHut Energy Helpline Thomson & Morgan Time for Paws Scottish Smallholder & Grower Festival Ark Farm Livestock Movement Service

© The Accidental Smallholder Ltd 2003-2024. All rights reserved.

Design by Furness Internet

Site developed by Champion IS