How to Groom a Jersey Calf for the Fair

The importance of healthy, strong and productive cattle has been evident in America since around 1600 AD when Europeans brought domesticated cattle to the new world. Through the centuries, farmers and ranchers have taught each younger generation tips, tricks, rules and lessons of the trade in the hopes of creating high quality cattle for generations to come. Taking on a calf to raise has already shown you the amount of time and responsibility it takes to train and maintain the animal. Now you get to take your Jersey calf to the fair and show off all your hard work.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Hose
  • Bucket
  • Rubber curry brush
  • Wash rag
  • Towel
  • Saddle soap
  • Blow dryer
  • Clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Halter your calf and tie it to something sturdy in your work area. Use a slip knot when tying the calf so you can release it easily but it cannot release itself. This will hold the calf in place while you are grooming.

    • 2

      Fill the bucket with water from the hose. Add the saddle soap to the bucket of water. Let the soap soak while moving on to the next step.

    • 3

      Comfort the calf and get it used to the water by wetting it slowly with plain water starting from the legs and underside and slowly making your way to the back and neck. Next wet the head but avoid getting water in the ears. Wet the tail last to avoid getting hit with a damp tail while cleaning the rest of the animal.

    • 4

      Dip the rubber curry brush and into the bucket of soapy water. Softly scrub the calf with the brush while creating a good lather. Work from the top to the bottom, taking extra precautions when washing between both the front and back legs, as it is easy to get kicked in this situation. Hocks, knees and hooves are easily stained and may need more attention and extra scrubbing. Use the wash rag to clean the calf's ears and face.

    • 5

      Rinse the calf with the hose on a low flow from back to front, going against the growth of hair. Rinse the calf more than once to make sure all the soap is rinsed out. If it is not, it will cause dandruff on the calf's skin. Again, avoid the ears and face. Towel dry the calf thoroughly.

    • 6

      Approach the calf with a gentle hand while turning on the blow dryer, as calves are easily startled by the noise. Brush the hair forward while blow drying. Work from the back to the front to give the calf the appearance of having a longer body.

    • 7

      Tie the halter higher so that the calf's head is raised. Cut the calf's hair with clippers according to the regulations of the fair that you entered, as they all vary.