How to Calm Show Steers During Stress

With the size of cattle the last thing anybody wants is for them to become agitated and stressed, especially during shows. A five-year study from the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station found that stressed cattle were more sickly, gained less weight, produced tougher meat, had a detrimental effect on the heard and were worth less money. There are a number of things that can be done to calm stressed steers both on the ranch and during shows.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the cattle in a good environment. A happy steer is less likely to become stressed. Large open pastures, plenty of room to move and good treatment will always produce a cow with a better temperament.

    • 2

      Speak to the cattle using the same phrase when it demonstrates good behavior. Like other pets, cattle can be trained to the sound of a voice that they find reassuring. The steer will remember your voice and its positive reassurances, so you can use it again at shows when the steer is more likely to become stressed.

    • 3

      Medicate the animal. Stressed steers are not unusual and there are a range of medications available for cattle. Natural medications are the best choice, but consult a veterinarian for proper advice. Administer it to the steer a few hours before shows to ensure it will not become stressed when on display.

    • 4

      Minimize motorized transportation of the steer. Being moved around a lot in trucks and vans can upset any large animal.