How do you fit cattle?

Question

Hey I am going to show cattle next year, and I need to know how to fit cattle. If you could make a video and tell me the website and stuff, that would be awesome. But if you just want to tell me that would be cool too!

Answer 1

I have not been able to find very many good sites. I will try to explain the best I can. You might be able to find a breeder or extension agent to help you. We had other breeders help a few times, then just started doing it ourselves. We have learned through trial and error, too. It will help if you have a chute to clip them in.

It's hard to explain, but I'll try.

I usually start at the head and work my way back. I usually rub the clippers on their head while they're off, then turn them on and do it before you actually start clipping. Sometimes if they're head shy, you can start at the tail.

You will want to clip about 2 weeks before fair, so it will have time to grow back some.

We shave the head, then go from behind the poll to the shoulders. Run them down the back, but put your other hand or something under, so you don't clip too short. Then I flip the clippers over and trim the neck.

I also run them down the brisket/dewlap.

Next, I clip the tail. I let the tail lay against them and grab it about where the legs come together. I hold my fingers around it while its against the animal. Then, run the clippers straight up. Clip all the way around the tail and on the sides up to the tail head. Flip the clippers over and try to bled the shorter hair with the longer hair.

I also flip the clippers over and trim the area where the muscles are on the rump, to make them look bigger.

I hope this helps, practice makes perfect. If you can, start practicing early.

If you need any other advice, you can contact me. I might be able to get pictures, too.

Answer 2

http://livestock.colostate.edu/youth/doc...

Here is a website.  My husband use to show cattle when he was in jr high and high school.  He said its too difficult to explain but he found this website and said it is a good one.  I hope this helps you.