Seasonal Considerations For Clipping & Fitting Your Show Cattle

When it comes to preparing show cattle for the spotlight, the art of clipping and fitting is crucial. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. Seasonal considerations play a significant role in achieving that perfect look for your cattle. Let’s delve into how the approach to clipping and fitting can vary depending on the season and the specific requirements for summer and winter shows.

Fall Season Preparation For Show Cattle: A Texas Tradition

Summer and fall are the traditional seasons for preparing show cattle. In regions like Texas, these seasons are bustling with activities for show cattle in Texas, offering advantages not only for appearances but also for the animal’s overall health and fitness. Clipping plays a crucial role in this process as it protects the cattle’s skin from potential abrasions and damage caused by saddles and bridles. Additionally, it helps in reducing fly populations on the farm, which can be particularly prevalent during this time of the year.

How Do You Clip Your Show Cattle?

There are several ways you can clip your show cattle; however, some methods work better than others depending on what type of animal you have and their age. One method used in some areas of the country is called “spot-clipping” where only certain areas of each animal are clipped using a spot-clipper.

For calves, be sure that they have been dewormed regularly. This will help prevent worm infestation on their coats. Also, make sure that they have been dewormed at least one month prior to showing them off-pen or at a sale barn if they were raised on pasture with no access to wormers. If possible, use a dewormer that kills adult worms (not just those in an egg).

How To Clip Your Steer or Heifer?

To clip a steer or heifer, you’ll need a sharp clipper blade for different parts of the body. Ensure the blade is in good condition before using it on your cattle. After clipping, it’s crucial to check the overall health of your cattle before showcasing them at exhibitions or sales.

The choice of clipping method for the head can include using clippers, scissors, or shears, depending on your preferences for hair length and the time you can dedicate to the process. Care must be taken when using clippers to avoid removing too much hair at once, as it can necessitate touch-up work as it regrows.

Transitioning Your Cattle to Fall Weather

First of all, if your show cattle are not used to the fall weather, they might get sick because of not being used to the temperature. So it is a good idea to keep them inside until their body adjusts to this change in weather.

Another thing that you should do is make sure that all of your show cattle have been properly clipped and fit for the fall season. You don’t want your livestock showing any gaps between their body parts because this can make them look awkward or unprofessional during a competition.

The coats should be left on until they are ready to be shown again after the winter season is over. You can then decide if you want to keep this coat or if you would rather have them grow a new one during the next breeding season.

By understanding these fall seasonal considerations, you can master the art of clipping and fitting for show cattle, ensuring they are always ready for the grand entrance. We at Kocurek Cattle, provide top-quality in clipping and fitting cattle service to make your cattle ready for the championship competition in Caldwell, Texas. Contact us for at (979) 200-8475 more details about cattle services