How to Use a Cattle Sweat Strap

While many people may be familiar with horse shows, they may not know that cattle also enter the show ring. Show cattle are judged on breed and appearance, and must be well conditioned to win. Extremely thick necks are undesirable in many breeds, and a sweat strap is a handy tool for shrinking the neck to an appropriate size. Sweat straps are simple to use and will have your bovine ready for the ring with a minimal amount of effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Cattle halter
  • Hose
  • Livestock shampoo
  • Sweating lotion
  • Sweat strap
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Halter the animal and lead it to the washing stocks. Tie the animal up and wet the neck area with water from the hose. Add a few drops of livestock shampoo to the top of the neck and wash the neck from just behind the ears to the top of the shoulder. Rinse the neck until all traces of soap are gone. Leave the animal tied until the neck is completely dry.

    • 2

      Coat the animal's neck in a thin layer of sweating lotion to open the pores and increase sweating under the strap. Apply a line of lotion from the neck to the ears, rubbing it into the skin with your hands.

    • 3

      Unbuckle the strap and slide it over the animal's neck. Pull the strap tight and buckle it around the neck, stretching the fabric gently so it lays flat against the skin. The strap should be tight enough to ensure there are no air bubbles or gaps between the sweat strap and the neck.

    • 4

      Return the animal to its stall or pen and leave the sweat strap on the animal for six to 12 hours a day. Remove the strap and rinse off the neck with clean water before turning the animal loose for the night. Reapply the sweat strap each morning until the skin around the neck is firm and tight.