LPG Fired Dehorner Instructions
This Calf Dehorner features an adjustable LPG-fueled burner which heats a pure copper head with a circular element on the end. This element is placed over the horn bud to cauterize the skin around the bud base. Heads are available in 3 element sizes: 16mm - small, 18mm - standard, and 20mm - large, to accommodate different horn sizes.
- Your Dehorner can be connected directly to either a primus, POL (caravan), or a companion (BBQ) type LPG gas bottle. These three different fittings are found on the end of the hose. Choose the appropriate fitting and attach it to the gas cylinder.
Note: This unit should not be fitted with a regulator.
- Turn the gas on at the gas bottle, then turn the tap (valve stem) on the end of the Dehorner on just a little.
- Light the Dehorner at the holes at the rear end of the Dehorner head beside the screws.
- Let the Dehorner heat up for 3-4 minutes or until hot enough to burn a black ring easily into a piece of wood.
- When dehorning is completed, always turn the gas off at the bottle and drain all the remaining gas from the hose.
- Keep the Dehorner clean. Store it in a sealed bag so insects or spiders etc. can not leave webs or nests in the intricate parts.
- Dehorn the calves between 2-8 weeks of age.
- A local anaesthetic can be used to numb the horn area. Contact your vet for details.
- Use a headbail for restraint - this may be essential when not using an anaesthetic.
- Calves on which local anaesthetic has been used can be held between your legs in a corner.
- Ensure Te Pari LPG Dehorner is set at the correct heat. Test this by burning a black ring in a piece of wood for about four seconds.
- The dehorner tip should completely cauterize the skin around the horn bud. This is the area from which the horn grows - not from the centre.
- It may be necessary to clip the hair around the horn bud to establish its location.
- When applying the dehorner, until you are confident, do it in two or three applications of about three seconds to learn how much pressure is needed.
- You can either leave the bud in or remove it. Removing it lets you see if the cauterizing is complete and that there is no bleeding.
- If bleeding occurs, seal it again with the dehorner tip.
- Avoid getting the calves heads wet after dehorning as infections may result. Keep an eye on the calves during the next few days after dehorning.
Problem - Dehorner does not get hot enough.
Remedy:
- Clean inside burner tube. Insect nests or spider webs are sometimes found inside the burner tube. These restrict the gas flow and need to be cleaned out with a small rag or small brush
- Clean jet. The best way to clean a jet is by dropping it into a jar of boiling water. This removes the waxy-type build-up which can occur. If the unit still does not perform then replace the jet (refer to Parts List for the correct Part No).
Jet can also be pricked with 5 amp fuse wire - do not drill jet.
Problem - Dehorner will not light
Remedy:
3. Ensure the gas bottle is attached correctly, has sufficient gas in it and all fittings are tightened. Clean jet as in Remedy 2.
Problem - Dehorner sends a long, wavery yellow flame out the end of the Dehorner head.
Remedy:
4. Clean the inside of the burner tube as in Remedy 1
Shop Replacement Parts
QUICK TIP:
A LPG fired Dehorner generally heats up hotter than electric versions. The large copper head helps to hold that heat to get the job done right first time.
- Handle - Plastic
- Handle - Stainless Steel
- Dehorner Head - Ø 16 Small - Ø 18 Standard - Ø 20 Large
- Dehorner Head Screw
- Burner Retaining Circlip
- Handle Bush
- Gauze
- Burner Tube (LPG)
- Jet (Dehorner)
- Valve Body
- Valve Stem
- 1/8 Hose Fitting only (Male)
- Adapter (Primus/POL)
- Adapter (Primus/Companion)
- Hose Fitting Only (Comp Male)
- Hose with Fittings (1/8 - Comp Male)