Thermal disbudding in goat kids in the Netherlands: Current practice, complications and considerations

Abstract

Objectives of the present paper were to review the process of thermal disbudding in goat kids in the Netherlands. We describe possible complications and propose considerations and suggestions for best practice for disbudding of goat kids. Thermal disbudding of approximately one to two week old female dairy goat kids is common practice in Dutch dairy goat farming in order to prevent injuries and optimise use of feeding space. Thermal disbudding is a painful procedure. This should be addressed to prevent potential welfare problems as well as subsequent complications. This report describes current practice as well as complications noted following disbudding of goat kids in the Netherlands. Complications include failure to recover from anaesthesia as well as neurological symptoms and subsequent death up to two weeks after the procedure. Considerations for optimal disbudding management, including practical, legislative, technical, and anaesthesiologic concerns are briefly discussed. Data on both the safety and efficacy of local anaesthetic injections for disbudding in goat kids are scarce. Therefore, more field studies focusing on feasibility and efficacy of local anaesthetic approaches with or without sedation, and the use of NSAID's peri- and postoperatively, are recommended.