Competing in livestock shows is a rewarding activity that builds an impressive level of trust between people and animals. From adding the right amount feed supplements for livestock to their regular food to ensuring they get enough exercise, every detail matters if you want to win the top prize. Show Stopper Equipment by Vittetoe Inc. is a top livestock show equipment provider in the Keota, Iowa area, and they’re here to help with their top five tips to prepare your animal for the big day.

Beyond Feed Supplements for Livestock: 5 Tips for Preparing Your Animals for the Livestock Show

1. Condition Their Skin

Any visible skin problems will be judged as imperfections, and the skin is the largest organ on your animal’s body! Keep it healthy and use conditioner regularly so your livestock looks healthier, with no rashes or blemishes on show day.

2. Use Feed Supplements for Livestock

Proper nutrition is a must for your animals to arrive with bright eyes, fit-looking bodies, and sleek hair and skin. Feed supplements for livestock are the ideal way to fill in nutritional gaps their regular food alone can’t provide. Just like with humans, a combination of omega-3 fatty acids along with select vitamins and minerals will make their skin softer and hair more supple.

3. Keep Up With Daily Hair Care

Along with regular use of cow or pig hair conditioner, running fans over your livestock will keep promote hair growth by keeping them cooler. Anticipating the need for extra hair to keep warm, their bodies respond by growing more.

4. Groom Them for Show Day

Less than 24 hours before the show, you’ll need to trim their hair so they look their best. For cows, have someone hold up the animal’s head, and use a brush and blower to trim the coat. Brush hair toward the animal’s back and straight up, and then trim all the way down.

For pigs, use an electric clipper and determine the show’s rules for hair length. Then, with the pig lying on its side, pick an appropriately sized clipper guard. Clip until you reach the front of the shoulder, then use increasingly small guard sizes to blend the hair as it reaches the pig’s head. This gives the hair a smooth taper that will accentuate the pig’s face.

5. Exercise Them Regularly

Exercise your cow or pig daily, and don’t add extra food to their livestock feeders. Not matter how nice their skin and hair looks, an animal that doesn’t appear physically fit won’t impress the judges.

For all the equipment needed to win an upcoming show, you can rely on the expertise at Vittetoe Inc. With over 50 years in business, they’re the area’s go-to resource for everything from structural insulated buildings to feed supplements for livestock, helping Iowans win shows and expand their farms since 1965. Browse their products online, or call (641) 636-2259 with any questions.