What are the functions of bison horns?

The predominant use it for fighting and secondary to defense. Bison are descendants of water buffalo some 5–10 million years ago. Male bison use them for sparring, there is not really much other use - until you watch them toss a predator like a wolf and damage them fairly well. read more

The dermis of the horn is supplied by the cornual nerve, which is a branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V). This nerve is often blocked to provide local anaesthesia in the disbudding or de-horning process. The primary function of horns is to convey social hierarchy. The larger the horns, the higher up the social group the animal is. read more