Portasol model 3 butane dehorner

Details

Dehorning happens where the calves are, not where the power is. A corded iron means running an extension out to the chute or hauling a generator, and both end up underfoot. This one runs on butane, so the whole outfit is the tool in your hand. A full fill gives roughly 45 minutes of working time and takes about 20 seconds to top up, so a couple of refills covers most sessions. The tip reaches up to 650 C, and the working head uses a 20mm stainless steel tube around the flame with the ceramic held mechanically, which helps it hold heat and stand up to knocks. It lights with a click-to-ignite piezo and also has a manual ignition option as a backup. The body is about 238mm long and weighs around 330 grams, so it balances in one hand. Use clean, filtered butane. After lighting, switch the gas off for a second or two and back on so the catalyst in the tip takes over; you will hear the hiss rise as it comes up to heat. Hair and soot eventually block the venturi behind the tip, so blow it out with an air hose when heat-up starts taking longer than it used to. Tips unscrew and are sold separately in more than one size. Follow the manufacturer's directions and your provincial animal-care requirements for dehorning, including timing and pain control. For when to disbud or dehorn and how paste, hot-iron and Barnes scoop dehorners compare, see our guide Dehorning Calves: Paste, Hot Iron or Barnes Dehorner?

Specifications

Brand

Portasol

Product name

Portasol model 3 butane dehorner

Category

Animal › Cattle › Dehorning and Castration

Sold by

Pipestone Farm Supply, Millet, Alberta

Availability

In stock