NZSE joins groundbreaking disbudding research to revolutionise animal welfare

We’re proud to share that New Zealand Skills and Education College has been named a collaborating partner in a world-first research initiative led by Massey University — using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to develop a painless, non-invasive method for calf disbudding.

Disbudding is the process of destroying horn buds in young calves to prevent horn growth later in life. Currently the most common method is hot iron cautery, which causes prolonged pain in calves.

This Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment-funded project has the potential to be a game-changer for animal welfare, by significantly reducing pain and long-term complications for the two million calves disbudded in Aotearoa each year. Using HIFU waves to target and destroy horn-producing cells, this technique will significantly reduce pain and damage to surrounding tissue.

NZSE’s Head of Technology Mathew Legg will bring his expertise to the multidisciplinary team that includes Dr. Preet Singh, a Massey University expert in veterinary science and animal pain management. While the focus is currently on dairy, this research has broader potential with tumour treatment in humans.

We’re thrilled to contribute to a project that not only advances animal care, but also reinforces New Zealand’s position as a global leader in ethical, science-led farming.

Learn more about NZSE’s staff and their research here.