Preparing an animal to show is a lot of work. Whether it’s a local 4-H Achievement Day or a larger provincial show, it takes time, commitment and attention to detail. Help your animal – beef or dairy cattle, horse, sheep, donkey or other – become a champion with these four tips.
1. Use a feeding routine with a high-quality ration
Trish Mealing, Assistant Agro Manager at Moose Jaw Co-op, said you want to get as much weight gain in the shortest time possible, but it can be a challenge to keep animals eating on a steady regimen. Feed animals consistently and keep track of rations as it trains you notice irregularities.
“If you pay attention to feeding regimens, each year you get better and understand it more,” said Mealing, who has been a 4-H leader and helped her children show beef cattle for 13 years.
Your local Co-op Agro Centre offers an Elite Breeder show ration, mineral and other feed products. Co-op can also help test the quality of your on-farm grains and forages to help identify which Co-op Feeds products would best suit your needs.
2. Keep animals clean and cool
Ensure animals have access to clean water at all times and clean, sheltered place to lie down. Mealing said animals can become sick from water high in phosphates, viruses in cool weather or bacteria in dirty stalls and feeding tubs.
A shiny, full coat of hair will help define muscle tone and improve stature, while also hiding weaknesses. Daily brushing, blowing and product applications can help animals look their best. Rinse your animal or use a fan to keep your animals cool in order to slow down shedding and coat loss as temperatures increase, particularly if they’re grain fed.
3. Develop a bond
“The most important part of showing is knowing your calf,” Mealing said. “If a calf isn’t going to trust you, feeding doesn’t matter because you’re not going to handle them.”
Spend time every day with your animal, such as brushing or scratching while it eats. Mealing said 15 minutes a day makes a world of difference. Then practice leading and setting up your animal.
Mealing said her family helps socialize their cattle by attending a bath day a month before their first show, which exposes the animals to more people and sounds. Use early shows in the spring and summer as an opportunity to get your animal comfortable to the atmosphere.
4. Maintain a tip-top tack box
Spend time cleaning and organizing products in your tack box. You don’t want to discover in the middle of a show that you’re missing or out of glue, spray foam, touch-up paint, rags or brushes.
“You want to come as prepared as you can,” Mealing explained. “Knowing what you need and when you need it is crucial.”
Showing animals provides a sense of accomplishment. Mealing said she enjoys seeing a kid smile, knowing they are comfortable and their animal is content.
“Have fun and enjoy it,” she said.