How to Groom Cattle

Cattle spend a lot of time in mud, manure and generally grubby situations. For livestock shows or sales, you'll want your cow or bull looking sharp. Livestock supply companies make a wide selection of specialized cattle grooming products that you may want to try. If a cow or bull has been pastured or not washed for some time, it may take more than one bath to get the animal clean. Take your time and let your cattle enjoy the full-body massage that comes with grooming.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber boots
  • Rain suit
  • Halter
  • Rope
  • Hose
  • Bucket
  • Brushes
  • Rubber curry comb
  • Combs
  • Cattle wash soap
  • Foam or mousse
  • Blow dryer
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Instructions

  1. Washing

    • 1

      Put on a rain suit and rubber boots.

    • 2

      Tie the cattle securely using a nylon or non-sisal rope halter and a quick-release knot.

    • 3

      Using a curry comb and stiff brush, thoroughly remove loose dirt, straw and dead hair.

    • 4

      Prepare a bucket of soapy water.

    • 5

      Wet down the cattle, beginning with the legs and working your way gently up the animal's body to its head. Be careful not to get water in its ears.

    • 6

      Lather and wash the animal beginning at the back above the tail, using a rubber curry comb and working your way toward the head.

    • 7

      Rinse the animal with running water, beginning at the head and working your way down and back on the animal's body. Rinse against the grain of the hair to make sure all soap is removed.

    • 8

      Clean the animal's face and inside its ears with a damp cloth.

    • 9

      Blow dry evenly, working against the grain of the hair and starting at the rear of the animal's body.

    Clipping

    • 10

      Clip in a horizontal line along the animal's belly from the rear up to the heart girth just behind the front legs. Clip the udder and groin area.

    • 11

      Shave the head, working against the grain of the hair.

    • 12

      Clip the brisket area, pulling the hide tight with your free hand.

    • 13

      Clip the animal's legs and tail.

    Show Grooming

    • 14

      Apply foam and adhesive products to keep the animal's hair in place.

    • 15

      Back-comb the tail and form the tail hair into a pyramid or teardrop shape as desired.

    • 16

      Back-comb the hair at the poll of the head and form it into a pyramid or teardrop shape.