Preparing Cattle for Show Sam Womble County Extension Agent – Ag/NR Bexar County

Topics to be addressed: O Feeding O Hair Care O Supply Checklist O Showmanship

Feeding O Questions to Consider… O Where are you at? O Ahead or behind the curve? O What is your endpoint? O Develop a plan

Feeding Heifers O Year 1 O 2% of body weight (12-20#/day) O Some may need to move to a 50% corn ration O May need to add steam rolled oats O Provide hay and/or pasture

Feeding Heifers O Year 2 O Slow down a bit – “Fine line between show condition and a fat heifer” O Possibly adjust % corn in ration O Possibly add to the ration O CSH O Oats O Provide hay and/or pasture

Feeding Steers O Fall O As the weather cools, switch to a higher percent corn ration. O 55-60% corn O #/day O Possibly add beet pulp to the ration O Provide hay and/or pasture

Feeding Steers O Winter O As weather continues to cool possibly O Cook corn or barley O Add bypass fat supplement O #/day O Possibly add CSH or beet pulp into the ration O Provide hay and/or pasture

Final Feeding O What about additives? O Magic, Winner’s Edge, Final Cover, Vita Ferm, Keep ‘Um Sound

Additives O “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 O What about implants? O Increase lean muscle tissue O Improve feed efficiency O ??? O Pop tail head O Make crest more prominent O Enhance ABC characteristics O Enhance muscle definition

Implants O How many and how often? O Weaning O Summer O 45 days prior to show O Over implanting O Quality issue

Hair Care O Two must have items…

Hair Care O Cattle should be rinsed daily and washed weekly. Especially important in the fall and winter. O Use a hair conditioner O Train hair with a rice root brush and hot air blower. O Brush in an upward and forward direction (45 degree angle).

Hair Care O Facilities O Day Length O Utilize fans and misters O Genetic potential O Hair versus slick

Supply Checklist Feed bucketExtension cord FeedClippers Hay Chamois/towels Water bucket Show stick Water hoseBlow dryer Liquid soap/shampooAdhesive Combs and brushesAdhesive remover Rope halterPine shavings Leather show halterStall dividers Number halter or number clipFans

Showmanship O 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)

Showmanship O 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