Selecting for polled (hornless) genetics in cattle breeds is progressing rapidly, offering the most complete solution to dehorning welfare problems by eliminating the need for the procedure entirely.
The most welfare-effective solution to dehorning pain is eliminating the need for the procedure through breeding — no welfare cost arises where there are no horns to remove. Early concerns about polled genetics being linked to other undesirable traits have not been substantiated in modern genomic testing. The transition to polled populations requires time and commitment from breeders, artificial insemination companies, and breed societies. Some producer resistance remains based on tradition and unfounded concerns about polled cattle performance — evidence consistently shows no production penalty from polled genetics.