Preparing Cattle for Show

Sam WombleCounty Extension Agent – Ag/NR

Bexar County

Topics to be addressed:

OFeedingOHair CareOSupply Checklist OShowmanship

Feeding

OQuestions to Consider…OWhere are you at?

OAhead or behind the curve?

OWhat is your endpoint?ODevelop a plan

Feeding Heifers

OYear 1 O 2% of body weight

(12-20#/day)O Some may need to move to a

50% corn rationO May need to add steam rolled

oatsO Provide hay and/or pasture

Feeding Heifers

OYear 2O Slow down a bit – “Fine line

between show condition and a fat heifer”

O Possibly adjust % corn in rationO Possibly add to the ration

OCSHOOats

O Provide hay and/or pasture

Feeding Steers

OFallO As the weather cools, switch to

a higher percent corn ration. O55-60% cornO15-20 #/day

O Possibly add beet pulp to the ration

O Provide hay and/or pasture

Feeding Steers

OWinterO As weather continues to cool

possiblyOCook corn or barleyOAdd bypass fat supplement O16-18 #/day

O Possibly add CSH or beet pulp into the ration

O Provide hay and/or pasture

Final Feeding

OWhat about additives? O Magic, Winner’s Edge, Final

Cover, Vita Ferm, Keep ‘Um Sound

AdditivesO “Magic squared will take your animal’s genetic

potential to a higher power”O “If you like Magic Oxy, you’ll love Moxy”O “Moxy – animals eat it, do better on it and win

more often”O Cellerator improves hair coat, gives a fresher

look, cures a picky eater, adds more cover, increases appetitie, increases soundness, reduces heat stress, calms the animal and consistently makes them feel good”

O “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”

Final Feeding

OWhat about implants?O Increase lean muscle tissueO Improve feed efficiencyO ???

OPop tail headOMake crest more prominentOEnhance ABC characteristicsOEnhance muscle definition

Implants

OHow many and how often?O WeaningO SummerO 45 days prior to showO Over implantingO Quality issue

Hair CareO Two must have items…

Hair CareO Cattle should be rinsed daily and

washed weekly. Especially important in the fall and winter.

O Use a hair conditionerO Train hair with a rice root brush and

hot air blower.O Brush in an upward and forward

direction (45 degree angle).

Hair Care

OFacilitiesO Day LengthO Utilize fans and misters

O Genetic potentialOHair versus slick

Supply Checklist Feed bucket Extension cord Feed ClippersHay Chamois/towelsWater bucket Show stickWater hose Blow dryerLiquid soap/shampoo AdhesiveCombs and brushes Adhesive removerRope halter Pine shavingsLeather show halter Stall dividersNumber halter or number clipFans

ShowmanshipO Top 5 Showmanship Mistakes –

O Wrong equipment (halter, show stick)O Lost in the show ring (Where do I go?

Who is the judge?)O Knowledge of your project (age,

weight, feed)O Keeping the calf in position (leading

out, lining up)O Overuse of the show stick (lead into

position)

ShowmanshipO Lead you calf in a slow, deliberate

manner and keep his head up.O Set your calf up correctly and watch

the judge.O Show your calf’s positive attributes.O Don’t move your calf out of line

when the judge is evaluating it.O Exhibit good sportsmanship

End Result