By Amy McCosker ABC Rural

Meat and Livestock Australia is throwing its support behind the testing of an anaesthetic spray designed for use in the dehorning of cattle.

Trials are underway in northern Queensland to see if the process of dehorning calves can be made less painful, and, in the process, build a new market for graziers.

While some in the cattle business are questioning if any change is necessary, MLA’s manager of northern production research Wayne Hall says the industry must work to meet the animal welfare expectations of the public.

He says the spray would be useful to graziers if it was proven to work.

“While individuals or ourselves may not think it is particularly of concern from a welfare point of view, that’s not really the issue,” he said.

“It’s around how they are perceived, and we certainly see a real role for that technology within the Australian beef industry.

“Obviously it’s got to be practical and it’s got to be cost-effective.”  READ MORE