Keeping your cattle clean and comfortable is essential for their health and success, whether you’re prepping for a show or just maintaining daily care. The wash rack is where you build your calf’s confidence, promote healthy skin, and train hair for that perfect look. Here are 10 practical tips to help you make the most of your wash rack routine:
1. Blow All the Dirt Off
Before you even turn on the water, use a blower to remove loose dirt, dust, and shavings from your calf’s coat. This prevents rubbing dirt into the hair and skin during washing, saving you time and giving you a cleaner starting point.
2. Soap First if the Hair is Clean; Otherwise, Rinse
Assess your calf’s hair condition before washing. If the hair is fairly clean and free of heavy dirt or buildup, start by applying our Volumizer Nourishing Shampoo in our Soap Foamer to get the best cleaning effect. However, if the coat is dirty or hasn’t been washed recently, thoroughly rinse your calf first to loosen mud and grime before applying shampoo.
3. Watch the Ears
Be very cautious about water entering the ears. Water trapped inside your calf’s ears, especially during colder months, can lead to infections and illness quickly. You can hold the ear gently while rinsing to help keep water out and protect your calf from getting sick.
4. Work Your Hair
When scrubbing with your Smart Scrub Brush, be sure you are working the hair from the tail to the nose. This helps train the hair to lie nicely and promotes healthy skin.
5. Rinsing Forward
Even when you’re rinsing, always work hair towards the nose of your calf. You are training the hair to go forward naturally. During hot summer days, take extra time rinsing to help cool your calf down and reduce heat stress.
6. Rinse Again Until Water Runs Clear
After applying shampoo and brushing, rinse thoroughly to remove all soap and residue. Any leftover soap can cause skin irritation and dryness, so make sure the water runs completely clear before you finish rinsing.
7. Scrape Off Excess Water
Use the back side of your Smart Scrub Brush to remove as much water as possible from the coat. This helps speed up the drying process and makes blow-drying more effective.
8. Dry, Dry, Dry
Blow-dry your calf completely. When blowing out your calf with The Beast Blower, you want the hair to be dry to the skin. Even if you think the coat is dry, keep blowing for an additional 15 minutes to ensure there is no moisture left. The hair tends to fluff more when it’s dry, which helps with styling.
9. Conditioning Hair
After your calf is completely dry, you will then need to add skin and hair conditioner. Such as Revive, or Kleen Sheen, which restores natural oils to your calf’s skin and hair.
10. Keep Your Wash Rack Clean
A clean wash rack means healthier cattle. Regularly clean and disinfect mats, brushes, hoses, and other tools to prevent bacteria and mold buildup. A safe and hygienic environment helps keep your calves calm and reduces the risk of infections. A consistent wash rack routine is one of the keys to success in the show ring and to maintaining healthy livestock all year round. By following these detailed tips and using trusted Sullivan Supply products, you’ll ensure your cattle are ready to rock at your next show. Good luck at the next show!