Slick Shearing cattle before they go to pasture??

[Skibinski Farms]

I'm just predicting its going to be a hot one this summer in Central Neb again. Does anyone slick shear their cows before they go to pasture to help keep them cool in the summer. I have an eye candy that is loaded with hair and was thinking about slicking her off. All of our farm ponds are dried up so anything to help keep the yak haired cattle cool will help...

What blades do you guys use? I have Lister Clippers and a showmaster clipper. I was thinking a Lister's coarse blade would do it but maybe that will be too short?? How long do you typically leave the hair?

Thanks!

 

[goodnight]

I'm just predicting its going to be a hot one this summer in Central Neb again. Does anyone slick shear their cows before they go to pasture to help keep them cool in the summer. I have an eye candy that is loaded with hair and was thinking about slicking her off. All of our farm ponds are dried up so anything to help keep the yak haired cattle cool will help...

What blades do you guys use? I have Lister Clippers and a showmaster clipper. I was thinking a Lister's coarse blade would do it but maybe that will be too short?? How long do you typically leave the hair?

Thanks!

We don't, but if I were to consider it, I wouldn't shear the whole animal. I would get some flat heads and run two or three blade widths down from the top of the animal to behind front leg on both sides, then the same pattern on back of the rump. I read that there are multiple sweat glands in those areas, and this will do more to cool the animal than torching or shearing, plus it will take less time.

 

[chambero]

Texas blades from Sullivans for the Showmasters.  Leaves it right at 1/4 inch - slick, but not completely down to skin.  Do the neck and body, leave legs and bottom of belly alone.

 

[Skibinski Farms]

Thanks!