When Saskatchewan cattle producers begin losing $10 for each horned
animal they market next year, they should keep in mind how much they
will save in the long run.
Neil Jahnke, chair of the Horned Cattle Purchases Act advisory
committee, said damage to other animals from horns is a significant
cost.
“Carcass bruising from all sources costs an average of $3.92 per
carcass, or $13 million a year in Canada,” he said. “The cost to the
industry is humongous.”
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To discourage producers from sending horned cattle to market, a
deduction was implemented in 1939. It has been $2 a head since 1952.
Two years ago the livestock industry requested the provincial
government increase the deduction to $10, and legislation was passed
this spring.
“About 50 percent of the Saskatchewan cattle sold in 1939 had horns
and, based on statistics showing sales of horned cattle at less than 10
percent now, the $2 deduction had a positive effect,” Jahnke said. “We
hope the $10 deduction will reduce the number of horned cattle sales to
zero.”
The legislation will take effect
Aug. 1, 2003, which will give producers time to alter production
practices, if they choose.
Jahnke said he hopes the increased cost will convince producers to
dehorn when calves are five months old or younger.
“They have been taking a discount at most auction markets,” he said.
Saskatchewan auction markets estimate horned calves sell for five cents
per pound less while heavy cattle sell for about 2.5 cents less.
There are other costs.
The Canadian Beef Quality Audit found an extra person is needed on the
kill line to remove horns before the hide puller. That costs four cents
per head, or about $132,000 annually.
Dehorning on the line can result in contaminated heads – a cost of $25
per head.
Packers also estimate surface bruising can result in trim loss of
$5-$10 per head. Losses from deep bruising of rib and loin cuts are
$10-$25 per head.
The money collected from the deduction is used for research projects
and new product development, such as beef forage research at
Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Swift Current, Sask.
Jahnke agreed that money would be lost if the industry meets its goal
of sending no horned cattle to market. The deduction raises about
$150,000 each year.
Purebred cattle sold for breeding are exempt from the deduction.
Jahnke said there are good genetics in many horned cattle.
“We certainly wouldn’t want to ever suggest there be no horned cattle
at all,” he said.
