We can assume that a good show calf is the result of 50% genetics and 50% management, feeding and PREPARATION. First of all, it is important to identify the best cows in the herd for conformation and size
and to breed them to good conformation bulls. It is also important to consider the different age show classes and to try to plan calvings accordingly.

Feeding
At birth, milk is the principal feed for up to 6 weeks of age. The milk can be supplemented with minerals, vitamins or even antibiotic powder available from your veterinarian. Very efficient milk powders are also available on the market and are more economical than natural milk. From the second week, the calf must have access to "starter calf" grain and water. At weaning, the calf should have grain free choice as well as good young and flavorful first cut hay. Afterwards, your feeding program will recommend the amount of concentrates according to the quality of your hay.

Flesh Condition
If your calves are carrying extra condition in the first 8 to 12 months of age, it's normal because they must have significant weight and size gains in order to meet the show charts (700 to 800 gr/day). We will correct the flesh condition as the show season approaches.

Clipping and Preparation
From 2 months of age, the calves can be clipped in order to remove their baby hair. Afterwards, you must clip them regularly and also do the top line. Ask a specialist for help if necessary. This way, you can more easily evaluate your calves' conformation and identify the best candidates as soon as possible. Clipped calves stay cooler and will eat more (less susceptible to temperature changes).

It is also important to measure your calves regularly in order to compare them to the show charts.

It is also preferable to start training them to lead as soon as possible. After being clipped a few times your calves will be used to the halter. Take the time to walk them with a nylon halter for a few minutes after each time you clip them.

Housing and Comfort
Calves raised in box stalls develop better than those who are tied. Therefore, it is better to house your calves in uniform groups of 3 or 4 per pen. Be careful to group the most aggressive together so that they will not harm the skinnier or weaker ones.

The ideal is to have a dry and clean corner where your calves can lie down and another part of the stall on concrete where the calves can walk and develop their legs. Comfort, cleanliness, humidity and temperature are all factors that influence the growth of your breeding stock.

Short Term Preparation
It is now time to select your show calves and place them in individual stalls, if possible. You can then adjust the feeding according to their flesh condition. The calves which are too fat must be underfed in energy by partially reducing or completely eliminating the concentrates and/or the hay and even sometimes controlling the water consumption. In the summer time, you can send them out in small pastures for a certain time to help condition them. Grass rich in protein and poor in fibre provokes stress that makes the calves loose weight. They will also have a tendency to lose their capacity and therefore must be fed dry hay. You may have to bring the calves which are thin and lacking capacity into the barn.

The Show Approaches
Trim the hooves or contact a professional to do it but don't wait until the last minute. It's also time to perfect training them to lead. The more difficult calves can be tied with their head up for a few hours (always keeping an eye on them) or walk them slowly behind a tractor. Finally, using a leather halter, you must walk them for 30 to 60 minutes, four times a week.

Wash the calves once or twice a week to make sure the hair of the top line is long and strong so that your clipping specialist can do a nice job of preparing them.

Three days before the show, stabilize their ration by giving them the type of feed that they will receive at the show (hay, beet pulp, grain, minerals, yeast, bolus' etc.) Before transporting them to the fair, give the calves extra vitamins to ensure their vigor and resistance.

The Show
With an animal of good conformation, well developed,
in good flesh condition, well prepared and well shown,
you will surely have a lot of success at the shows.

Good luck to everyone!
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