Menke, C., Waiblinger, S., Fölsch, D. W. et al. 1999. Social behaviour and injuries of horned cows in loose housing systems. Animal Welfare 8, 243-258.

The results of the present study show that keeping horned dairy cows in loose housing systems is possible without unacceptable risks for cows and humans. However, it is absolutely necessary to optimize herd management conditions and to build up a close human-animal relationship. This might even enable horned dairy cows to be kept in relatively large herds and within the usual space allowances per cow found in present day loose housing systems. Such measures would also significantly enhance cow welfare. The results of this study show that there are no reasons to take dehorning for granted. Mutilating measures in animals husbandry should always be discussed, criticized and, if possible, prevented.